2026 Primary Election
REPUBLICAN
STATE SENATE SD9 CANDIDATES
SD9 Republican Primary Candidates
Listed in Ballot Order
THE TOPICS
& QUESTIONS
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Candidate Information
Senate District:
Campaign Website URL:
Email Address:
Occupation/Vocation:
Military Background (if any):
Years Resident of El Paso County/District Represented:
Priorities, Vision, and Experience
What priorities and vision do you have for the office of Colorado State Senator, and how would your personal and professional experience contribute to that?
Accountability
Colorado’s Sunshine Law and Taxpayer Bill of Rights are examples of accountability measures that Colorado’s electorate voted into law. What are your beliefs on ethics in government, and how would you seek to improve accountability and transparency as they relate to the office of Colorado State Senator?
1st Amendment
What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents’ rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?
2nd Amendment
In light of recent Colorado legislation and US Supreme Court’s rulings regarding our nation’s historical tradition of firearms regulation, what steps would you take to protect the rights of the people while addressing gun violence?
Anti-Americanism and Antisemitism
There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?
Economy and Resources
If elected, what initiatives would you champion to improve Colorado’s economy, including policies on water, energy, and other resources, and how would you make your office more fiscally responsible?
Education
If elected, how would you help improve the educational outcomes for Colorado’s students, and what is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice and parental notification?
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?
Public Safety and Rule of Law
What are your priorities for addressing crime in Colorado, including issues such as cybercrime and the slavery of human trafficking, and how do you view the role of state policy in addressing immigration-related challenges and coordination with federal authorities? Also, what is your opinion regarding sanctuary city (or county) policies?
Election Integrity
Do you believe that elections should be conducted differently in order to ensure integrity and confidence? Should people be required to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote, and/or be required to show a government-issued ID to cast their vote?
Constitutional Compatibility
Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America’s constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?
LYNDA ZAMORA WILSON
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survey question and reply
Candidate Information
Senate District: SD9
Campaign Website URL: www.ZamoraForColorado.com
Email Address: Lynda.ZamoraWilson.Senate@coleg.gov
Occupation/Vocation: State Senator / Retired Military Officer
Military Background (if any): Lt Col, USAF (25 years of active duty service)
Years Resident of El Paso County/District Represented: 12 years (not continuous due to military move)
Priorities, Vision, and Experience
What priorities and vision do you have for the office of Colorado State Senator, and how would your personal and professional experience contribute to that?
My vision: defend our Constitution; reduce government overreach; and protect our God-given liberties.
My priorities include: fiscal responsibility and economic freedom through decreasing taxes/regulations/spending; restoring rights (2A, parental, property, human, unborn, etc) and traditional education; strengthening public safety/privacy; protecting elections; advancing energy independence.
Education: PhD in Economics; MS in Mathematics; MA in International Trade; MA in Education.
Experience: Retired USAF officer (25 years); Pentagon Senior Economist, USAFA Assistant Professor in Economics/Mathematics, F-22 Flight Test Analyst, Satellite Test Chief, Electronic Warfare Test Director; and Park Ranger.
I bring proven leadership, technical data-driven decision making, and a deep commitment to the Constitution. As Senator, my voting record reflects an “A+” with Liberty Scorecard, verifying my fight/dedication for a freer/safer/prosperous Colorado.
Accountability
Colorado’s Sunshine Law and Taxpayer Bill of Rights are examples of accountability measures that Colorado’s electorate voted into law. What are your beliefs on ethics in government, and how would you seek to improve accountability and transparency as they relate to the office of Colorado State Senator?
It’s critical to root government ethics in integrity, limited power, and fidelity to the Constitution. Colorado voters wisely enshrined the Sunshine Law for open records and TABOR for fiscal restraint. They’re vital accountability measures that protect us from government overreach.
Public officials must prioritize transparency and never erode it. That’s why I voted “no” on SB26-107, which would’ve weakened timely access under the Open Records Act, and “no” on SB26-135, which sought to bypass TABOR limits.
I’ll continue to champion strong enforcement of the Sunshine Law and TABOR, push for timely/informative meetings for citizens (via live-streamed, town halls, etc.), reveal expenditure disclosures, and oppose any erosion of these accountability measures. Government works for the people, not the other way around.
1st Amendment
What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents’ rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?
The Establishment Clause prohibits Congress from creating a national church or favoring one religion with taxpayer support. It protects religion from government, not vice versa. It was never meant to remove God from public life/schools/culture. I’ll defend every constituent’s First Amendment rights: block conscience-violating mandates and protect religious speech; oppose censorship/compelled speech; safeguard peaceful assembly; and keep my door open for petition/redress. I’ll vote against erosions of liberty and treat the First Amendment as a hard limit on state power. In fact, during the HB26-1309 committee hearing, the Vice-Chair (Democrat) berated Colorado Catholic Conference witnesses for their religious-based opposition. I publicly addressed the Vice-Chair’s behavior as inappropriate, and the Colorado Catholic Conference thanked me for defending their First Amendment rights.
2nd Amendment
In light of recent Colorado legislation and US Supreme Court’s rulings regarding our nation’s historical tradition of firearms regulation, what steps would you take to protect the rights of the people while addressing gun violence?
Gun ownership is a right and I support constitutional carry. I will uphold the Second Amendment and Supreme Court rulings like Bruen, which affirm our historical right to keep and bear arms.
I oppose unconstitutional gun control laws that infringe on law-abiding citizens.
To address violence, criminals need to be held accountable. Thus, there needs to be strict enforcement of laws/penalties, prosecuting criminals, hardening schools, and protecting constitutional carry.
Our focus must remain on criminals, not restricting the rights of responsible, law-abiding citizens.
The Constitution is not a suggestion.
Anti-Americanism and Antisemitism
There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?
The surge in anti-Americanism/antisemitism stems from decades of failed education that replaced American history/civics with divisive, unconstitutional DEI initiatives rooted in Marxist critical theory. This has been compounded by open borders importing unassimilated radicals, a cultural elite excusing hatred, and infiltration by adversaries like China into our schools, media, and institutions. The Hamas attacks on 7Oct2023 ignited resentments into open hostility.
Additionally, we have pushed God and moral foundation out of public life. As John Adams warned, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
We must restore constitutional order, enforce laws equally, secure the border, promote assimilation, teach American exceptionalism, and recommit to E Pluribus Unum.
Economy and Resources
If elected, what initiatives would you champion to improve Colorado’s economy, including policies on water, energy, and other resources, and how would you make your office more fiscally responsible?
Colorado has become the 6th most regulated state and the 3rd most unaffordable. Government has grown substantially, greatly increasing inefficiencies/costs in every market. We must bring constitutional governance back, such that the people are empowered, not the government.
I’ll fight to cut taxes/regulations to unleash free enterprise, create jobs, and protect property rights.
Regarding resources, I’ll champion for smart water storage solutions, market-based allocation, agricultural protections without government overreach, property rights over government mandates, expand energy development (including oil, gas, nuclear, and renewables) where it’s market-driven (not cronyism), and ensure responsible stewardship of our lands.
To ensure fiscal responsibility, I’ll fight for full transparency in spending, zero-based budgeting, terminate programs that fail constitutional or performance standards, and eliminate waste/fraud.
Education
If elected, how would you help improve the educational outcomes for Colorado’s students, and what is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice and parental notification?
The Constitution grants no federal authority over education. Such power belongs to parents and local communities. The Department of Education is bloated with bureaucracy/waste/inefficiencies (typical government). It has delivered declining results, skyrocketing costs, and indoctrination. Returning control to parents and local communities fosters better competition/innovation/accountability/education that serves families; not unions or ideology.
DEI/CRT/SEL and any agenda that demoralizes/sexualizes children has no place in our schools. Such mandates violate parental authority. I support traditional education focused on reading, math, civics, economics, personal finance to produce informed citizens.
Parents must have full educational freedom (choice without government mandates) and mandatory notification on all topics including sexuality/gender/mental health. Schools work for families, not the other way around. Government shall not undermine parental rights.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?
I have and will continue to protect the right to life for the unborn by supporting laws that protect the innocent/promote adoption and family support over government-funded abortion. I sponsored HB26-1105 (Discuss Adoption Information with Pregnant Persons) and opposed HB26-1335 (Abortion Medication Access on College Campuses). Human life deserves legal protection from conception to natural death. When society devalues life, such as abortion or euthanasia, it normalizes that human worth is conditional/disposable and undermines human rights.
For victims of trafficking/abuse, I’ll back tougher penalties.
For those with mental illness, I prioritize voluntary and community-based care over coercive government systems that erode liberty. True protection comes from upholding the Constitution and empowering individuals.
Public Safety and Rule of Law
What are your priorities for addressing crime in Colorado, including issues such as cybercrime and the slavery of human trafficking, and how do you view the role of state policy in addressing immigration-related challenges and coordination with federal authorities? Also, what is your opinion regarding sanctuary city (or county) policies?
My priorities are clear: enforce the rule of law, protect victims, and hold criminals accountable.
We must strengthen penalties for violent crime, cybercrime, and especially human trafficking. I sponsored SB26-112 (Court Actions Related to Failure to Appear in Court) to ensure defendants who fail to appear face real consequences, restoring accountability in our courts.
On immigration, states should support federal enforcement through cooperation, not obstruction. Sanctuary city or county policies undermine public safety, encourage lawlessness, and violate the constitutional balance between state and federal authority. Colorado needs secure borders and lawful order.
Election Integrity
Do you believe that elections should be conducted differently in order to ensure integrity and confidence? Should people be required to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote, and/or be required to show a government-issued ID to cast their vote?
I believe secure elections are the foundation of our Republic and are a matter of national security. We must conduct elections with proven safeguards to restore public confidence and prevent fraud. Citizens should provide proof of US citizenship to register to vote, and every voter should present government-issued photo ID at the polls. Voting is a sacred right of American citizens, not a privilege open to non-citizens or vulnerable to abuse. These common sense measures protect our sovereignty, ensure one citizen, one vote, and defend the integrity of self-government.
Constitutional Compatibility
Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America’s constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?
Socialism and communism are fundamentally incompatible with our constitutional republic, as they subordinate individual God-given rights and private property to state control and collective mandates. This directly violates limited government and the freedoms enshrined in our founding documents. Religious law like Sharia elevates theocratic rule above the Constitution, eroding equality under the law, free speech, religious liberty, and due process. Authoritarian ideologies are incompatible with America.
TERRI CARVER
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survey question and reply
Candidate Information
Senate District: SD9
Campaign Website URL: www.TerriCarver.org
Email Address: Terri@CarverForColorado.org
Occupation/Vocation: JAG (military attorney)
Military Background (if any): Retired Air Force Colonel
Years Resident of El Paso County/District Represented: 28 years
Priorities, Vision, and Experience
What priorities and vision do you have for the office of Colorado State Senator, and how would your personal and professional experience contribute to that?
My priorities as your State Senator are defending our constitutional rights from ongoing attacks by the radical left, including parental rights, free speech, religious liberty, and the Second Amendment. I will tackle the cost-of-living crisis (energy, housing, excessive taxes/fees), reduce crime with tougher criminal penalties, repeal sanctuary state laws, and continue my decades-long fight against human sex trafficking.
Colorado has reached a tipping point, and families are feeling the consequences. As a former Air Force Colonel (JAG) and State Representative, I know how to work effectively to make needed changes in Colorado law. I will use my legal experience, ability to work with others, and a deep understanding of the legislative process to deliver results for CO families and businesses.
Accountability
Colorado’s Sunshine Law and Taxpayer Bill of Rights are examples of accountability measures that Colorado’s electorate voted into law. What are your beliefs on ethics in government, and how would you seek to improve accountability and transparency as they relate to the office of Colorado State Senator?
As an Air Force JAG for 29 years, it was my duty to uphold and enforce the ethics code. I know firsthand that people must be held accountable for misconduct. Public officials should meet the highest standards of integrity, and government should serve the people, not special interests. As a State Representative, I remained accessible through monthly town halls, newsletters, and direct communication with constituents. As your Senator, I will continue listening, answering your questions directly, and being accountable for my votes. I will push for regular financial and performance audits of agencies to root out fraud, waste, and abuse of dollars. Those who commit fraud must be prosecuted, and officials who recklessly waste public funds disciplined.
1st Amendment
What are your thoughts on the establishment clause; and if elected, what will you do to protect your constituents’ rights to freedom of religion, speech, peaceable assembly, and petitioning the government for a redress of grievances?
Recent court rulings on the Establishment Clause make clear that Colorado cannot discriminate against religious organizations in state programs, including childcare assistance and school grants. I take my oath of office to uphold the Constitution seriously and will demand state compliance. As a State Representative, I cosponsored legislation stating that “no state action may burden a person’s exercise of religion.” I also cosponsored the Parents Bill of Rights, and fought the radical Left’s anti-parent legislation. I opposed bills trying to silence pregnancy centers and the pro-life movement. I will lead the fight to repeal anti-parent laws given recent favorable court rulings. It is my highest priority to defend all our 1st Amendment rights including all of those mentioned.
2nd Amendment
In light of recent Colorado legislation and US Supreme Court’s rulings regarding our nation’s historical tradition of firearms regulation, what steps would you take to protect the rights of the people while addressing gun violence?
I am proud to be endorsed by the Colorado NRA Chapter, CSSA, and Pikes Peak Firearms Coalition. I fought against anti-gun legislation, and cosponsored bills to repeal unconstitutional firearm restrictions and authorize constitutional carry. I voted to repeal Colorado’s red flag law. As a passionate 2A advocate, I have continued testifying against anti-2A bills, and have made significant donations to fund litigation. As your Senator, I will continue defending our constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The SCOTUS Bruen decision reaffirmed strong protection for 2nd Amendment rights, and we must work with the Administration and litigation firms to challenge these unconstitutional state laws. I also support tougher penalties for criminals who use firearms while committing crimes or steal firearms.
Anti-Americanism and Antisemitism
There has been a rise in incidences of anti-Americanism and antisemitism in Colorado and across our nation. What do you view as the causes, and what should be done to address these issues?
I am deeply concerned by how little young people know about our system of government and the US Constitution. That is why I passed legislation strengthening civics standards in Colorado schools after discovering the State Board had weakened instruction on America’s founding principles. My bill required teaching of our historical documents, with specific emphasis on the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. I believe antisemitism has no place in our society or politics. People have every right to disagree on political issues, but targeting individuals because they are Jewish is wrong and unacceptable. Threats or acts of violence against Jewish individuals or synagogues must be fully prosecuted. History has shown that when antisemitism is tolerated, division and hatred grow.
Economy and Resources
If elected, what initiatives would you champion to improve Colorado’s economy, including policies on water, energy, and other resources, and how would you make your office more fiscally responsible?
We must repeal laws that are a barrier to construction of affordable multi-family homes and add $80K+ to the cost of each home. We should eliminate 100% renewable energy mandates that drive up utility bills and keep the right to choose natural gas. Additionally, reduce taxes and fees hurting family budgets and businesses—defend TABOR! As the 5th worst state for business; Colorado needs to be competitive again. We must better manage our water so wells don’t run dry, and we can support future growth. With experience in water law, I will work with experts to improve long-term planning statewide. As a legislator, I have never taken taxpayer-financed conference trips and I will not do so as your State Senator.
Education
If elected, how would you help improve the educational outcomes for Colorado’s students, and what is your position on parental authority in K-12 education, including school choice and parental notification?
Schools should be fully funded as required by the Colorado Constitution. With many schools failing academically, we must refocus education policy on strong academics, student achievement, and classroom safety—not politics. I strongly support school choice and believe per-pupil funding should follow the student, empowering parents to choose the best educational option.
I am horrified by state laws and school staff usurping parental rights and fought against these bills. Parent notification and consent should be required for sex education, healthcare decisions, and issues involving gender dysphoria. In partnership with grassroots organizations like Protect Kids Colorado, I will fight to restore parental authority and transparency, including repealing laws that allow schools to refer children to psychotherapy without parental notification or consent.
Protecting the Most Vulnerable
If elected, how will you seek to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, including the unborn, victims of trafficking and abuse, senior citizens, and those experiencing mental illness?
I am pro-life. As a state legislator, I voted against abortion legislation and cosponsored pro-life bills to save the unborn. Although Colorado Constitution’s obscene abortion provisions limit certain actions, we can still protect life by preventing state persecution of pregnancy centers, making fetal homicide (unrelated to abortion) a criminal offense, and expanding support for birth and adoption. I passed bills protecting victims of sex trafficking and will continue supporting victim rescue and recovery services for this deep trauma. I supported laws addressing elder abuse and senior scams and will continue protecting vulnerable adults. We must improve Colorado’s mental health system by shifting more resources toward inpatient treatment and reducing bureaucracy and ineffective programs that fail to deliver meaningful care.
Public Safety and Rule of Law
What are your priorities for addressing crime in Colorado, including issues such as cybercrime and the slavery of human trafficking, and how do you view the role of state policy in addressing immigration-related challenges and coordination with federal authorities? Also, what is your opinion regarding sanctuary city (or county) policies?
My priorities include combating human trafficking, illegal drugs killing our young people, cybercrime targeting youth and seniors, limiting cashless bail, increasing penalties for violent crime, and stopping retail theft. I oppose legislation that handcuffs law enforcement and undermines public safety. As a legislator while in the Minority, I passed numerous public safety bills including laws addressing human trafficking, aggravated child abuse, revenge porn, and retail theft. I voted against sanctuary legislation and oppose sanctuary policies at the state, county, or city level. Law enforcement should cooperate with ICE regarding criminal illegal immigrants in local jails. I also oppose using taxpayer dollars to provide free healthcare and other benefits to individuals who are in the country illegally.
Election Integrity
Do you believe that elections should be conducted differently in order to ensure integrity and confidence? Should people be required to show proof of citizenship in order to register to vote, and/or be required to show a government-issued ID to cast their vote?
As a retired military member, I dedicated my career to defending the Constitution and the rights and freedoms it guarantees. Confidence in our elections is fundamental to our republic, and election laws should promote both security and public trust. Colorado should move back to in-person voting, with appropriate accommodations for military personnel, overseas voters, seniors, and others who require absentee ballots. In-person voting, combined with voter identification and citizenship verification, can help strengthen confidence in election outcomes while ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote. Given the importance of these issues, I cosponsored bills on proof of citizenship, photo ID, and updating voter registration rolls. I will continue to work for improvements in our election system.
Constitutional Compatibility
Many Christians are concerned about ideologies that place the state, the collective, or religious law above individual liberty and limited constitutional government. Do you believe socialism, communism, or political movements seeking to impose religious law — including Islamic Sharia law — are compatible with America’s constitutional representative democracy? Why or why not?
Sharia law, socialism, and communism are not compatible with our constitutional republican form of government. There is no Sharia law allowed in our country–only laws made by our system of government. Honor killings and marital rape are crimes. Communism and socialism hijack the government apparatus to enforce their oppressive views on what we believe, what we can say, and what we must do in our lives. Our constitutional government is designed to protect the individual from these attacks. Under our First Amendment, religious faith is a matter for the individual. The government cannot establish a religion nor interfere with the free exercise of religion. As an American and a Christian, I will defend our Constitution and freedoms from attack.
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Christian voting
Voting is a simple, yet significant way to do something about public policy in our country. As people of faith, we will be held accountable for our actions, as well as our lack of action. (Luke 12:48)
Biblical worldview
By diligently learning, applying, and trusting God’s truths in every area of our lives, we can begin to develop a deep comprehensive faith that will stand against the unrelenting tide of our culture’s non-biblical ideas.
Vote your values
The issues of the day change. Political parties and platforms change. God’s Word never changes. The vote of every Christian should be based on the principles of Scripture and not persuasive personalities.
Electing righteous leaders
Bad governance and our loss of freedom is the direct result of the church’s failure to disciple. When the citizenry do not seek to be obedient to God’s Law, they vote in wicked and corrupt candidates, who then trample underfoot the God-given liberties of the people.