Jill Haffley
RepublicanQ1 What advisory mechanisms will you implement to ensure that evidence and scientific findings play a crucial role in your policymaking process?
“Good policymaking starts with good information. In the legislature, I will seek input from scientists, researchers, subject-matter experts, industry professionals, and, importantly, the people who will actually be affected by the policies we consider.
I will ask tough questions, examine credible evidence from multiple sources, and challenge assumptions when necessary. Science and data will play an important role in informing my decisions, while I also consider economic impacts, individual rights, practicality, and potential unintended consequences.
I will support transparency in the legislative process and seek out reliable research and testimony from people with relevant expertise and real-world experience. At the same time, policymaking should not simply be turned over to any single group of experts. Good science welcomes questions. Findings should be tested, replicated, scrutinized, and openly discussed as our understanding continues to evolve.
My approach in the legislature will be straightforward: follow the evidence, ask questions, listen to different perspectives, and make thoughtful decisions based on the best information available. Ultimately, I will remain accountable to the people of Colorado whom I am elected to serve.”
Q2 Colorado farmers are facing multiple threats, amidst water scarcity and rising prices for fertilizer and other imported materials. As agriculture is our #1 export sector, in what ways do you imagine using your role to support evidence-based advancements to protect and support our farmers and natural resources in the years ahead?
“Colorado agriculture is enormously important to our economy, our food supply, and our way of life, particularly in our rural communities. We should be using science and innovation to help farmers and ranchers produce more efficiently while protecting the natural resources upon which agriculture depends.
Water is obviously one of Colorado’s greatest challenges. I support investments in water storage, conservation, infrastructure, and technologies that improve water efficiency. Agricultural producers should be part of those conversations because they understand their land and water needs better than anyone.
I also support research and development that can improve crop resilience, soil health, irrigation efficiency, and agricultural productivity while reducing unnecessary dependence on costly inputs. Colorado’s universities, agricultural researchers, farmers, ranchers, and private industry can be tremendous partners in that work.
At the same time, innovation shouldn’t become an excuse for imposing costly mandates on producers. The goal should be to give farmers better tools and more choices, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, protect private property and water rights, and allow science and technology to help Colorado agriculture remain productive and competitive for generations to come.”
Q3 America has a growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation but raising issues of resource use, privacy, and economics. What is the right balance of costs and benefits for new data center construction in Colorado, and how would your policies accomplish that balance?
“Colorado should welcome innovation and the economic opportunities created by artificial intelligence and data centers, but we also need to be realistic about the tremendous amount of electricity, water, and infrastructure these facilities can require.
I support allowing data center development while ensuring that existing residents and businesses are not forced to subsidize the infrastructure or energy demands created by extremely large new users. I believe major data centers should be expected to provide or pay for the infrastructure necessary to support their operations, including dedicated electrical infrastructure when appropriate, rather than shifting those costs onto existing ratepayers.
Colorado also needs an energy policy capable of supporting future demand. That means maintaining reliable and affordable energy while remaining open to emerging technologies, including nuclear power.
Privacy and cybersecurity must also be taken seriously as AI expands. We should protect Coloradans’ personal information while avoiding regulations so restrictive that they drive innovation and investment out of our state.
The right balance is to welcome technological advancement while requiring responsible resource use, protecting consumers and ratepayers, and ensuring that the costs associated with major new developments are appropriately borne by those creating them.”
Q4 Colorado has experienced a lingering measles outbreak since March of 2025. What evidence-based policies do you support to improve community and preventive health for your constituents, for infectious diseases and other threats?
“Public health decisions should be grounded in reliable medical evidence, accurate information, and transparency. When infectious diseases occur, state and local health agencies should provide timely information so families understand the risks, symptoms, methods of transmission, and steps they can take to protect themselves and others.
I support strong disease surveillance, rapid identification and reporting of outbreaks, access to preventive and primary care, and ensuring that healthcare providers and communities have accurate information about infectious diseases and available vaccines.
I also believe public trust matters tremendously. Public health officials build that trust by being transparent about both what is known and what is not known, explaining the evidence behind their recommendations, and communicating honestly with the public rather than dismissing legitimate questions.
Preventive health extends beyond infectious disease. Improving access to primary care, mental health services, early screening, health education, and telehealth can help identify problems before they become emergencies.
Government has an important responsibility to protect public health, but it should do so while respecting individual rights and parental authority. Good public health policy should educate, provide access, communicate risk clearly, and earn the public’s trust.”
Q5 What are your opinions on the current state of science literacy, and how could K-12 education standards be adapted to form a better public understanding of and relationship building in science?
“As a retired teacher of 30 years, I believe science literacy is essential. Students should graduate understanding not only basic scientific concepts, but also how science works: asking questions, developing hypotheses, evaluating evidence, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and revising conclusions when the evidence requires it.
One of the most important skills we can teach students is how to distinguish evidence from opinion. In an age when young people have almost unlimited information at their fingertips, they need the ability to evaluate sources, recognize unsupported claims, understand basic statistics, and think critically about what they read and hear.
Our K-12 standards should emphasize strong foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, mathematics, and scientific reasoning. Whenever possible, students should also have opportunities for hands-on experiments, laboratory work, engineering, technology, and partnerships with Colorado’s universities and STEM industries.
Science education should teach students how to think, not what to think. Genuine scientific inquiry requires curiosity, intellectual honesty, open discussion, and the freedom to question conclusions. If we develop those habits in our students, we will produce graduates who are better prepared for STEM careers and better equipped to make informed decisions throughout their lives.”