Pueblo GOP Leader Launches 2026 Bid for Republican Seat

Pueblo County Republican Party Chair Announces 2026 Run for Colorado House District 60

Michelle Gray, the chair of the Pueblo County Republican Party, has become the first candidate to file for a 2026 run in Colorado House District 60. The district, currently represented by fellow Republican Stephanie Luck, spans from Pueblo West to parts of Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Teller counties. Historically, the district has leaned Republican, as demonstrated by Luck’s three consecutive victories. In the 2024 election, she was re-elected with nearly 70% of the vote.

Gray brings a unique background to her campaign, having previously worked as a math teacher. She ran for Pueblo County treasurer in 2022 and has served as the local Republican Party chair since 2023. In a July 24 campaign news release, Gray emphasized her commitment to challenging the status quo and helping Republicans gain more seats in a state legislature that is currently dominated by Democrats.

"I have prayed about this, I've talked to my family about it," Gray said in an interview. "We were in agreement, and I want to bring the change we have done in Pueblo to the state. That's why I'm running."

Gray highlighted several key issues she plans to address if elected, including protecting agriculture and water rights and ensuring access to healthcare for rural Coloradans. These concerns are areas where she has occasionally disagreed with Luck, according to the press release.

"Stephanie does have a very strong liberty score, but just voting no isn't enough in this seat," Gray stated. "We need to protect our agriculture, and we need to protect our water, and we need to make sure that our rural precincts actually have access to health care."

The "liberty score" is a measure used by Colorado Liberty Republicans to evaluate a legislator’s support for individual rights, free markets, and limited government. Luck has a 2025 liberty score of 98, which is tied with Rep. Ken Degraaf for the highest among any state legislator.

In addition to focusing on agricultural and healthcare issues, Gray aims to collaborate with other Republicans in the Colorado House to amend or rescind “soft-on-crime bills” that reduce or restrict police immunity. This reflects her broader goal of supporting law enforcement and maintaining public safety.

As of July 25, Luck had not filed for reelection, according to Colorado Transparency in Contribution Expenditure Reporting (TRACER). Gray’s campaign noted this in its release and speculated that Luck might pursue a future role as a state senator or as a commissioner in Fremont County.

"Regardless, I thank Stephanie for her service," Gray said in the release. "We just have very different approaches to what we see as impact and representation. I’m certain she will do well at whatever she decides to do outside of her current role, but if a Primary election exists, I have to honor those trusted voices from the five counties that have come to me to seek my participation in this process. Healthy primaries can and do exist. Let’s keep it classy."

The Chieftain reached out to Luck for comment on whether she plans to run for reelection, but she did not respond by the newspaper's deadline.

Key Issues Facing Colorado House District 60

• Agriculture and Water Rights: Protecting the interests of farmers and ensuring sustainable water management are top priorities for Gray.
• Healthcare Access: Rural communities often face challenges in accessing quality healthcare, and Gray aims to address these gaps.
• Law Enforcement Support: Gray supports policies that protect police officers and maintain public safety.
• Political Representation: Gray emphasizes the importance of differing perspectives in leadership, highlighting the need for varied approaches to governance.

With the upcoming 2026 election, the race for Colorado House District 60 is shaping up to be a significant contest in a district that has historically favored Republican candidates. As Gray moves forward with her campaign, she is positioning herself as a leader who will bring fresh ideas and a focused agenda to the state legislature.