Amanda Gonzalez

“As Secretary of State, I will continue to make evidence-based policymaking a core principle of the office. Throughout my career, I have relied on data, research, and subject matter expertise to inform decisions, whether that was helping develop election laws as Executive Director of Colorado Common Cause, administering elections for nearly half a million voters as Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, or modernizing services across our office.

One of the first steps I would take is establishing formal advisory structures that bring together election administrators, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, accessibility advocates, language access specialists, business leaders, and academic researchers. In Jefferson County, I created the STEAM (Service, Transparency, Equity, Accessibility, and Modernization) Advisory Committee to provide ongoing community input and expert guidance, and I would build on that model at the state level.

I also believe that major policy decisions should be informed by measurable outcomes. Before implementing significant changes, I would review available research, consult relevant experts, evaluate potential impacts, and establish clear performance metrics to assess whether a policy is achieving its intended goals. This includes examining data on voter participation, election administration, business services, accessibility, and cybersecurity.

Finally, I am committed to strengthening partnerships with Colorado’s universities, research institutions, and scientific organizations. These partnerships can help ensure that the Secretary of State’s Office remains informed by the best available evidence and emerging research, particularly as we confront evolving challenges related to election security, artificial intelligence, misinformation, and public trust.

Good policy is built on facts, evidence, and rigorous analysis. I will continue to foster a culture where expertise is valued, scientific findings are taken seriously, and decisions are guided by what works rather than by politics alone.”

“While the Secretary of State does not directly set agricultural or water policy, the office plays an important role in supporting Colorado’s economy, businesses, and democratic institutions. Agriculture is one of Colorado’s most important industries, and our farmers and ranchers deserve leaders who value science, data, and long-term planning.

As Secretary of State, I would use the office’s platform to support evidence-based policymaking across state government and ensure that Colorado’s agricultural community has a voice in conversations about the future of our state. Challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, soil health, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs require solutions grounded in research rather than ideology.

The Secretary of State’s Office also oversees business filings and supports Colorado’s business community. I would work to ensure that farmers, ranchers, cooperatives, and agricultural entrepreneurs can access state services efficiently and effectively, allowing them to spend less time navigating government bureaucracy and more time operating their businesses.

I also believe that protecting our natural resources and strengthening our agricultural economy requires strong civic participation. Rural communities must have a meaningful seat at the table when decisions are made about water, land use, infrastructure, and economic development. Throughout my career, I have worked to expand participation in our democracy, and as Secretary of State I will continue working to ensure that all Coloradans—including those in our agricultural communities—can make their voices heard.

Colorado’s future depends on our ability to make decisions informed by evidence, science, and the lived experiences of the people most affected. I will bring that commitment to every aspect of the office and continue advocating for data-driven solutions that help our communities, economy, and natural resources thrive.”

“AI and data infrastructure are already shaping Colorado’s economy, democracy, and natural resources. New data center construction can support innovation, jobs, and economic growth, but it also raises serious questions about water use, energy demand, land use, privacy, cybersecurity, and whether the benefits are shared broadly across Colorado communities.

As Secretary of State, I would not directly approve or deny data center construction, but I would use the office to promote transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. Communities deserve clear information about the projected economic benefits of these projects, as well as their long-term costs to water, energy systems, local infrastructure, and natural resources.

My approach would be to support policies that require strong public disclosure, meaningful community input, and rigorous analysis before major projects move forward. That means looking beyond short-term job numbers and asking whether a project protects local resources, strengthens local economies, respects privacy, and aligns with Colorado’s long-term climate and infrastructure goals.

The Secretary of State also has a direct role in protecting Coloradans’ data and maintaining trust in public systems. As AI becomes more powerful, I would support strong cybersecurity practices, responsible use of emerging technologies, and safeguards against misuse of personal information, misinformation, and automated systems that undermine democratic participation.”

“Public health decisions should be grounded in evidence, science, and the expertise of trained public health professionals. I support policies that improve access to vaccines, strengthen public health communication, and ensure communities have accurate, trusted information about infectious disease prevention.

As an election administrator, I have seen firsthand the importance of listening to experts. Running elections is a highly specialized profession that requires extensive training, technical knowledge, and years of experience. I know how frustrating it can be when people dismiss expertise or substitute politics for evidence. That experience has given me a deep appreciation for the scientists, researchers, physicians, and public health professionals who dedicate their careers to protecting our communities.

In my current role as Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, I partnered with our local public health department to help ensure election workers had access to vaccines ahead of the 2024 election. Our goal was simple: protect the health of the workforce responsible for administering a major election and ensure we could continue providing critical public services to voters. That partnership reflected my belief that government works best when experts collaborate across disciplines to solve problems.

While the Secretary of State does not set public health policy, the office has an important role in protecting public trust, combating misinformation, and ensuring that Coloradans can participate in civic life safely and confidently. We have seen how quickly misinformation can undermine both public health and democratic institutions.

As Secretary of State, I would support evidence-based outreach, strong data privacy protections, and coordination with public health officials when emergencies affect elections, business services, or public access to government. That includes planning for disruptions, protecting access for voters and businesses, and ensuring that information from the office is accurate, accessible, multilingual, and grounded in the best available science.

Preventive health requires trust, transparency, and respect for expertise. I will always support policies that are informed by evidence and guided by the professionals who have dedicated their careers to understanding and addressing these challenges.”

“Science literacy is an important skills a person can develop, and it is more important today than at any point in my lifetime. Yet I worry that many Americans are growing up without the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex information environment.

We often think of science literacy as simply knowing scientific facts. In reality, it is about understanding how knowledge is developed, tested, challenged, and improved over time. It is about learning how to evaluate evidence, ask good questions, recognize credible sources, and remain open to new information when the facts change.

As an election official, I see a parallel in my own field. Most people are not election experts, nor should they be expected to be. Elections are complex systems that require specialized training and expertise. What matters is that people understand enough about the process to ask informed questions and that public officials are transparent about how decisions are made. I view science in much the same way. We do not need everyone to be a scientist, but we do need people to understand and trust the process by which scientific knowledge is created.

As a CEA endorsed candidate, I also recognize the expertise of science educators and know that educators are critical to developing standards. I would support K-12 education standards to place greater emphasis on scientific inquiry, critical thinking, media literacy, and data literacy. Students should learn not only what scientists know, but how scientists know it. These skills are valuable far beyond science classrooms—they help people become informed voters, consumers, and community members.

While the Secretary of State does not set education standards, I believe all public officials have a responsibility to model respect for evidence, expertise, and facts. Throughout my career, I have worked to explain complex election processes in ways that are accessible and transparent. As Secretary of State, I would continue using the office as a platform for public education, civic engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.

A healthy democracy depends on an informed public. Strengthening science literacy helps people make better decisions, engage more thoughtfully in public life, and build trust in the institutions that serve them.”