Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty is the first candidate to formally announce his bid for Colorado attorney general. As a Democrat, Dougherty has served as the district attorney for the 20th Judicial District since 2018 and recently won re-election with no opposition. He played a key role in investigating the cause of the 2021 Marshall fire and prosecuting the King Soopers mass shooter.
Dougherty’s decision to run for attorney general was solidified by the Trump administration’s attempts to end birthright citizenship and freeze federal funding. He emphasized the need for deliberate responses to federal actions, rather than reactionary statements. His priorities include fighting federal overreach, defending the state and U.S. constitutions, and addressing issues like consumer protection, community safety, and environmental protection.
In his role as district attorney, Dougherty successfully prosecuted two former Boulder County sheriff’s deputies for manslaughter and a former state representative for lying about her residency for office. He stressed the importance of ensuring that no one is above the law, a principle he would continue to uphold if elected as attorney general.
The election for the next attorney general will take place in November 2026, as current Attorney General Phil Weiser is term limited and seeking the governor’s office. Stay informed about Colorado politics by signing up for the weekly newsletter, The Spot.
Source
Photo credit www.denverpost.com
