Jena Griswold announces bid for attorney general
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Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold speaks after defeating Pam Anderson at the Art Hotel in Denver in November 2022. Photo: AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced Monday she's running for attorney general, ending speculations over a potential gubernatorial bid.
Why it matters: Griswold's name recognition and current role immediately make her a top contender for the office, which is currently held by Phil Weiser, who's running for governor.
State of play: The term-limited Democrat tells us she's seeking to serve as the state's top law enforcement official to be at the forefront of defending Coloradans from President Trump's policies.
- Among her top priorities would be improving the state's poor rape kit processing time, supporting an assault weapons ban, protecting workers, and combating special interests, she tells us.
What they're saying: "I think it's very important as a new mother, who used IVF while trying to start a family ... [to stand up] for abortion access, for critical reproductive health care," Griswold added.
Context: Griswold was first elected to her current office in 2018, defeating Republican incumbent Wayne Williams to become the youngest secretary of state in the country. She easily won reelection in 2022.
- A prominent national critic of Trump, she's a vocal advocate for women's rights and fair election practices.
- Her actions have made her the target of more than 1,800 death and bodily injury threats last year alone, she tells us, as she tried blocking Trump from being on Colorado's ballot.
The intrigue: Last year, she faced calls for her resignation after her office mistakenly posted voting equipment passwords online, and she was subjected to a short-lived impeachment effort by Republicans lawmakers.
- Some local elections officials have accused her of politicizing the secretary of state's office with some of her decisions, including frequent media appearances bashing Trump's policies.
- "Standing up for our rights is not partisan. It's American, and we need more elected officials to do that," Griswold tells us in response to those criticisms.
Between the lines: Former Lt. Gov. Gail Schoettler will serve as campaign chair for Griswold, who holds a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
- U.S. Rep. Jason Crow and House Majority Leader Monica Duran are among elected officials endorsing Griswold's candidacy.
Zoom out: Democrats including Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty and former state House Speaker Crisanta Duran are also running for AG.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold's quote.