NEWS BRIEF
Colorado Public Radio reports that Club 20 held campaign debates at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, featuring candidates in statewide, statehouse and federal races. The nonpartisan coalition represents 22 Western Colorado counties and focuses on rural issues including water, energy and public lands.
In the governor’s debate, Democratic candidate Phil Weiser and unaffiliated candidate Greg Lopez discussed wolf reintroduction, economic development and rural input. Republican candidate Victor Marx did not attend. Other races had debates or solo appearances after some candidates declined invitations; U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper and Secretary of State Jena Griswold were among those absent.
What to know
Club 20’s debates gave Western Slope voters a forum to hear candidates on rural-policy issues. Participation varied by race, and CPR reported that some candidates who did not attend are scheduled for later debates.
Reporting: Colorado Public Radio · 09-21-2026
