The Price of Silence: Why Mesa County Needs You on the Ballot

For years, we’ve watched the same story unfold in Mesa County: The Republican Party rules unchallenged, and not necessarily because their ideas are better, but because they are the only ones showing up to run. When we leave seats empty, we aren’t just losing an election, we are surrendering our seat at the table.

Are you sick of not having a choice? 

We can march, we can protest with Indivisible, and we can advocate for brilliant bills through our nonprofits. But here is the hard truth: If we don’t have people willing to put their names on a ballot, all that work is ignored. Our ideas die in committee, and our local offices continue to be filled by extreme conservatives and Christian nationalists who do not represent the breadth of this community. 

The Mesa County Democratic Party has been working tirelessly. We have the infrastructure, the training programs, and the candidate-building opportunities ready to go. This isn't a lack of effort from the Party. It’s a lack of people willing to stick their necks out.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. We need public servants who are ready to:

• Learn the ways that TABOR hinders public institutions we depend on and practice how to explain it.

• Stop letting the extreme right make the decisions for Mesa County as they have for decades.

• Acknowledge that nothing changes until the values of the candidates on the ballot reflect the values of the majority of our neighbors.

A Note of Gratitude

While we struggle for numbers, we are incredibly proud of the three candidates who have stepped up for the June primary. They are showing the courage we need from everyone:

1. Mallory Martin – House District 54   

2. Brittni Packard – House District 55 

3. Dave Edwards – Mesa County Treasurer 

These three individuals shouldn't have to carry the entire weight of the Party on their shoulders. They are doing the hard work—now it’s your turn.

Take Action

There’s still time for that Hail Mary shot. If you’ve been registered as a Democrat since the beginning of the year and are interested in filling any of the open county positions as well as Colorado Senate District 7 to run against Janice Rich, reach out ASAP. All paperwork needs to be completed and submitted no later than May 1st.

(This article was shown in the April 9, 2026 MCD Newsletter issue and can be found HERE.)