Former Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture and Congressional District 3 Democratic Congressman John Salazar endorsed Cleave Simpson’s re-election for State Senate District 6. Meanwhile, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee named Simpson’s opponent Vivian Smotherman’s campaign as one of the must-watch races of 2024.
“Put parties and politics aside,” stated Salazar. “Put our southern and southwest Colorado families, values, needs, and interests first. That’s Cleave Simpson. He’s been a true champion for Colorado agriculture, rural Colorado’s values, and southern and southwest Colorado water interests. Like me, Cleave is rural proud and rural strong. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Cleave Simpson for reelection to the State Senate.”
Simpson has gained bipartisan support for his track record of across-the-aisle bill sponsorship and relationships. Simpson has strayed from the MAGA movement and remains in stark contrast to some of his fellow Republicans because of this. Simpson remains a leading state senator with a main focus on water.
This is a relatively new district for Simpson. Before redistricting, Simpson’s constituents were primarily the San Luis Valley and eastern Colorado. Now, his district encompasses the San Luis Valley and southwestern Colorado. This will be his first time fully campaigning for re-election in this new district.
“We are building a ‘rural proud, rural strong’ movement that transcends party labels,” said Simpson. “Defending our southern and southwestern Colorado values, jobs, and heritage against the urban, Front Range interests brings together Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters in our region. I am extremely grateful for John Salazar’s support.
“I will continue to work tirelessly to make a difference for southern and southwestern Colorado in the State Senate. Rural lawmakers may be outnumbered, but when our lives, jobs, and values are under attack – and they frequently are – I’ll be relentless in representing all constituents in all our communities.”
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is the official committee charged with electing Democrats to state legislatures across the country. Each year, the DLCC selects candidates running in critical races in an effort to raise awareness and resources for democratic candidates.
All eyes are on the Democrats right now after President Joe Biden chose to end his campaign for a second term. Vice President Kamala Harris is now the Democrats’ presumptive nominee for president. With a flurry of endorsements, and less than 100 days until the election, the Democratic National Convention will draw attention from both sides of the aisle and from millions of Americans.
The Colorado Senate is currently held by the Democrats, but 18 of the 35 seats are up for re-election this year. Democrats hold the State Senate 23 to 12.
“Democratic state legislators are on the frontlines defending and expanding our access to abortion care, gun safety reform, and the right to vote,” said DLCC President Heather Wiliams. “In 2022, the DLCC led state Democrats to have the most successful midterm election year for the president’s party in nearly a century and we are continuing our momentum in 2024. We are proud to include Vivian Smotherman on our growing list of amazing candidates who are committed to making a difference in their communities.”
“I’m both humbled and honored to receive this distinction and spotlight from the DLCC,” said Smotherman. “I’m a working-class candidate fighting a millionaire incumbent, and I need all the help I can get to secure this victory and forge a brighter future for rural Colorado. A future where housing is affordable, healthcare services are available where we live, and every child in every county has access to the best education possible, allowing them to explore and grow into the adults they dream of becoming. I’ve been a leader throughout my career — in the Navy, in the offshore energy industry, and in the farming industry. I’m ready to bring that experience and those skills to the problems rural Colorado is struggling with, and I’m bringing solutions with me.”
Smotherman added, “I feel excited and inspired to stand alongside strong, dedicated leaders like Kamala Harris on the November Ballot. Together, we represent the strength and resilience of women in leadership! And we are ready to take on the challenges ahead.”