Duane Gurule
Duane Gurule Duane Gurule earned a high school diploma from Rocky Ford High School and a bachelor's degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2017. His career experience includes working as an IT manager.
Campaign site
“Rural Colorado Needs More Opportunity, Not More of the Same. Senate District 35 includes some of the poorest counties in Colorado. While agriculture remains a vital part of our economy, we cannot build a stronger future by relying on a single industry alone.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “I Understand the Challenges Facing Working Families Because I Have Lived Them. My life story is proof that people deserve opportunities, not labels. I grew up in poverty, spent time in Colorado's correctional system, earned a college degree, built a career in technology and nonprofit leadership, and now serve as Mayor of Rocky Ford.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)Rodney Pelton
Rodney Pelton (also known as Rod) is a member of the Colorado State Senate, representing District 35. Rod Pelton's career experience includes owning and operating businesses and working as a farmer and rancher. Pelton served on the Cheyenne County Commission.
· Official legislative page
Campaign site
“Rod and his wife of 40+ years are the proud parents of two grown daughters and grandparents of six grandchildren. Preserving our society for future generations is what keeps him driven to make and maintain common-sense, ethical and practical legislation for our great state.”
(Campaign website (peltonforcolorado.com)) “Thank you for Bent County for putting on such a great Patriot Lincoln Day Dinner in Las Animas. We heard from several candidates and elected officials, along with a tribute to Charlie Kirk. The building was packed full of patriots that are ready to take this state back. Got me so excited that I announced my reelection!”
(Campaign website (peltonforcolorado.com))Richard Graf
Richard Graf is a Libertarian candidate for the Colorado State Senate in District 35 on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Richard Graf earned a high school diploma from Lamar High School, an education from Colorado Mountain College in 2003, and an associate degree from Pikes Peak Community College in 2013. Graf's career experience includes working as an author.
“Government should be accountable, limited, and close to the people. I believe Colorado works best when families, local communities, school boards, counties, and the state—not distant bureaucracies or party insiders—have the power to solve problems.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “Colorado families are being squeezed by rising costs, taxes, regulation, and a government that too often spends without clear results. I will fight for taxpayers, responsible budgeting, protection for small businesses and working families, and policies that reward work instead of punishing it.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)Travis Nelson
Travis Nelson is a Unaffiliated candidate for the Colorado State Senate in District 35 on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. Travis Nelson earned a high school diploma from the John Mall High school. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Colorado State University Pueblo in 2002.
· Ballotpedia
Campaign site
“KEY MESSAGE #1: PEOPLE BEFORE PARTY I am running unaffiliated because I believe representation should come before political party. I will work with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents when it serves the people of Senate District 35—and I will challenge any of them when it does not. My loyalty is to the people. One vote for ALL PEOPLE.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “KEY MESSAGE #2: RELENTLESS REPRESENTATION I believe representation means showing up. I will be present in the communities I represent, listen directly to people, help constituents navigate state government, and stay involved when someone is getting the runaround. I want my office to be accessible, responsive, and accountable.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)