Stephen Taylor Hamilton

“As governor, I will establish an independent, science-based advisory council made up of qualified scientists, engineers, medical professionals, agricultural experts, environmental specialists, and representatives of Colorado’s working communities. Their responsibility will be to provide reliable research, explain the potential benefits and risks of proposed policies, and help ensure that decisions are based on evidence rather than political pressure or corporate influence.

I believe science should serve the people, not political parties or special interests. Scientific findings used to justify major policies should be transparent, publicly accessible, and open to independent review. When experts disagree, the public deserves an honest explanation of the evidence, uncertainties, and potential consequences.

I will also encourage collaboration between Colorado universities, local governments, small businesses, farmers, and independent researchers. We must measure whether public policies actually work and make adjustments when credible evidence shows that they are failing.

My constitutional responsibility is to protect the rights and welfare of the people of Colorado. Science can help us fulfill that responsibility, but decisions must remain accountable to the public. We the People deserve government that listens, investigates, and follows the evidence instead of blindly following political agendas.”

“Colorado’s farmers are essential to our economy, food security, and rural communities. We must support them with practical, research-backed solutions that conserve water, reduce unnecessary expenses, protect healthy soil, and strengthen domestic agricultural production.

As governor, I would encourage voluntary adoption of proven water-efficient irrigation systems, soil-moisture monitoring, drought-resistant crops where appropriate, and agricultural practices that improve soil health. I would work with Colorado universities, agricultural extension programs, and local water districts to make research and technical assistance accessible to farmers of all sizes.

We also need to investigate ways to reduce dependence on expensive imported fertilizers and materials by supporting responsible domestic production, nutrient recycling, composting, and other scientifically validated alternatives. Farmers should have access to independent testing and clear cost-benefit information before investing in new technology.

Water policy must be grounded in hydrology, long-term drought data, watershed science, and Colorado’s legal water obligations. We must protect groundwater, rivers, and agricultural water supplies while avoiding policies that unnecessarily burden family farms.

I would also support research into agricultural manufacturing, transportation infrastructure, and Colorado-grown industrial materials that could create new markets for farmers. Innovation should strengthen our rural economy, not force family operations out of business.

My goal is straightforward: protect Colorado’s natural resources, keep agriculture productive, and help farmers remain financially independent. Evidence should guide our decisions, while farmers’ practical experience helps shape the solutions.”

“Artificial intelligence has potential benefits in medicine, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and scientific research. However, Colorado must not sacrifice its water supplies, affordable electricity, environmental resources, or citizens’ privacy simply to attract new data centers.

My position is that data center development must demonstrate a clear public benefit before receiving substantial public incentives or preferential treatment. I would require rigorous, transparent assessments of projected electricity demand, water consumption, effects on utility rates, environmental impacts, and infrastructure costs. Developers should be accountable for the costs their projects impose on communities and taxpayers.

In a state facing water scarcity, I would favor facilities that minimize freshwater consumption, use appropriate water-efficient cooling technologies, and disclose actual and projected water use. Energy plans should account for grid reliability, the cost of new infrastructure, and the availability of dependable power without shifting unreasonable costs onto Colorado households and small businesses.

I would also oppose using public money to subsidize projects that provide few lasting Colorado jobs or primarily benefit outside corporations. Incentives should be tied to enforceable commitments involving local employment, workforce training, responsible resource use, and measurable economic benefits.

Privacy must remain a priority. AI development should not become an excuse for invasive surveillance or the collection and misuse of people’s personal information.

I support innovation, but not at any cost. Colorado should prioritize technologies that strengthen American manufacturing, semiconductor production, agriculture, and scientific research. If a proposed data center cannot demonstrate that its benefits outweigh its costs to the public, it should not receive taxpayer-funded assistance.”

“Public health policy must be guided by reliable medical evidence, transparent communication, and respect for individual rights. Infectious diseases such as measles can spread quickly, particularly among people who lack immunity. Colorado should use established public health research to prevent outbreaks, protect vulnerable residents, and respond quickly when cases emerge.

I support accessible, evidence-based vaccination programs, including routine childhood immunizations, with clear information about their benefits, risks, and recommended schedules. Families should be able to consult qualified medical professionals and receive answers to their questions without intimidation or political pressure.

Colorado should strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory testing, timely reporting, contact tracing when appropriate, and coordination among local health departments, schools, hospitals, and healthcare providers. During outbreaks, public communications should be prompt, accurate, understandable, and available in languages communities can access.

We should also improve access to preventive care, routine medical appointments, clean drinking water, sanitation, and reliable health information, especially in rural communities where healthcare services can be limited. Public health agencies should regularly evaluate their programs and publish meaningful results.

I believe trust is essential. Officials must distinguish established evidence from uncertainty, correct misinformation with facts, and explain the reasoning behind their recommendations. Emergency measures should be proportionate to the demonstrated threat, legally justified, and subject to appropriate oversight.

Protecting public health and protecting constitutional liberties should not be treated as opposing goals. My administration would seek practical solutions that reduce preventable illness, support healthcare professionals, protect vulnerable Coloradans, and maintain public accountability.”

“Science literacy is essential to a functioning republic. Citizens need the ability to evaluate information, recognize unreliable claims, understand risks, and make informed decisions about their health, environment, technology, and government. Too many public debates become divided by political identity rather than careful examination of the evidence.

Colorado’s K–12 education standards should emphasize scientific fundamentals, critical thinking, experimentation, data interpretation, and the difference between a testable scientific claim and an unsupported assertion. Students should learn not only established scientific knowledge but also how researchers test hypotheses, evaluate competing explanations, identify uncertainty, and revise conclusions when new evidence becomes available.

I would encourage stronger partnerships between schools, Colorado universities, laboratories, hospitals, farms, manufacturers, and skilled trades. Students should have opportunities to conduct hands-on experiments and explore real-world applications of science, including water conservation, energy systems, agriculture, public health, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

Teachers need access to current educational resources, professional development, and laboratory equipment. Rural and underfunded schools should not be left behind because of their location or financial circumstances.

Science education must encourage questions, not punish students for asking them. Students should learn to examine evidence independently, respectfully challenge ideas, and recognize the difference between scientific consensus and political opinion. Scientific findings should be taught accurately, while age-appropriate discussion allows students to understand how evidence is evaluated.

My goal is to prepare Colorado’s young people to become informed citizens, skilled workers, and responsible innovators. A stronger understanding of science will help our state solve practical problems, build a competitive economy, and ensure that future generations can hold their government accountable with knowledge rather than fear or blind trust.”