Meet the Candidates: Part 2
State representative hopefuls sound off, and a glimpse at the other races
This week, we bring you Part 2 of our “Meet the Candidates,” with Colorado House District 59 candidates Clark Craig (Republican) and Katie Stewart (Democrat.) The two are running to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango), who is term-limited.
What follows are the candidates’ responses to our important and maybe not-so-important questions in the order they were received.
Due to space constraints, we are unable to print Q&As with the other candidates on this year’s ballot: Colorado Senate District 6 and U.S. House District 3. In case you’ve been living under a rock or too busy riding your bike, we’ll include glamour shots, short bios and web links.
Colorado House District 59
? Clark Craig (Republican)
Day job: Problem-solver-in-chief. As the owner of Meadow Brook Mobile Home Park and the Mayor of Ignacio, I’ve had the privilege of everything from fixing clogged sinks to leading successful initiatives that make life better for people in our community. I also serve on boards like the Regional Housing Alliance and the Economic Alliance, where we tackle housing challenges and promote smart economic growth. Think of it as running a local thinktank, with a little small-town charm thrown in.
My superpower is: Finding common ground. Collaboration across party lines is my specialty, because good ideas aren’t limited to just one side of the aisle. I take pride in making solutions work for everyone. Also, I never run out of coffee. Coincidence? I think not.
When I’m not working, I am: Exploring the San Juans or convincing someone at a community event that running for a board position really isn’t as bad as they think.
Most recent binge-watch/listen: With the campaign in full swing, there’s not enough time to sit and binge-watch.
Favorite thing about La Plata County: The people. We roll up our sleeves and get things done, whether it’s at a town hall, a board meeting or lending a hand when a neighbor needs help.
Least favorite thing about La Plata County: The occasional winter driver who forgets that, yes, snow happens every single year. And no, summer tires won’t save you.
Why are you am running for state representative? Southwest Colorado is facing real challenges, from housing and economic development to building stronger community relationships. Under my leadership as Mayor of Ignacio, we’ve made big strides in these areas: boosting housing, fostering economic growth and strengthening connections across the community. I want to bring that same energy and experience to the state level, where I’ll keep working across the aisle to deliver results that matter to all of us. I believe in people not politics, and my track record proves that when we work together, we can make things happen.
? Katie Stewart (Democrat)
Day job: Organizing Director /Durango 9-R School Board Member
My superpower is: Empathy.
When I’m not working, I am: Reminding my kids to brush their teeth, telling them to read or politely reminding them to not eat every snack in the house 10 minutes before dinner.
Most recent binge watch/listen: “The Rings of Power.” My husband and I pick shows to watch together.
Favorite thing about La Plata County: It’s my home, so it’s hard to pick just one.
Least favorite thing about La Plata County: I’m going to change this to “Something you miss about La Plata County.” I miss the outdoor swimming pool that was in the parking lot by DHS and the Senior Center. I took swimming lessons there in the summer as a kid.
Why are you running for state representative? I’m a fourth-generation Durangoan whose life and values are rooted right here in Southwest Colorado. I’ve spent my career focused on serving this community and have built an understanding of House District 59’s unique opportunities and challenges. Given the chance, I’m ready to fight for what Southwest Colorado needs.
My commitment to family and community is strong. With my husband, Dan, we raise five children in the home that has been a cornerstone of my family for generations – the same one where my mother and grandmother were raised.
Early in my career, I worked as an EMT in Silverton and later volunteered with Durango’s EMS – I know firsthand that rural Colorado needs improved access to healthcare. I’ve proven my dedication to public education through my service on the 9-R Board of Education. I believe public schools are one of our most important tools to build a better future. I’ve put in efforts on several key committees to empower students and educators alike. I’ve also actively engaged with campaigns at the local, state and national level. Through these experiences, I’ve cultivated meaningful connections with stakeholders across the region, sharing my knowledge and learning from others.
I stand ready to work with representatives from across the state of Colorado on achievable, productive initiatives that will help Southwest Colorado move forward without leaving anyone behind. I’m a tireless advocate for the betterment of Southwest Colorado.
Colorado Senate District 6
? Cleave Simpson - incumbent (Republican)
Hometown: Alamosa
Background: Prior to redistricting in 2023, Simpson represented the former Senate District 35, which covered the San Luis Valley east to the Kansas state line. His new district, District 6, covers Southwest Colorado, from the San Luis Valley west to the Utah border, and the New Mexico border north to Saguache County and parts of Montrose County.
He is an engineer, farmer and the general manager of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District.
On the issues: Simpson said he will respect the outcome of Prop 79, which would add the right to abortion to the Colorado Constitution, and he said he does not support a total abortion ban.
He is a proponent of local control, abolishing the Budget Stabilization Factor and reducing state programs to fund education. He wants to remove barriers to developing renewable energy, particularly geothermal, and has voted against most legislation to regulate firearms.
And, he wears a big black cowboy hat.
For more: simpsonforcolorado.com
? Vivian Smotherman (Democrat)
Hometown: Durango
Background: Born in Denver, Smotherman is a farmer and Navy veteran who spent 20 years in the oil and gas industry. She and her wife moved to Durango in 2021.
On the issues: Smotherman is a proponent of LGBTQ+ rights, womens rights and education. She would like to get rid of TABOR to help fund education, increase affordable housing and does not support any restrictions on abortion. She would like to help working families with things such as after-school kids programs. She said she is more of a centrist when it comes to gun control and renewable energy.
If Vivian wins, she will be the first transwoman in the State Senate.
For more: www.votevivian.org
U.S. House Colorado District 3
? Adam Frisch (Democrat)
Hometown: Aspen
Background: A former Aspen City councilman and businessman, this is Frisch’s second crack at the U.S. District 3 seat after narrowly losing to Lauren Blowbert, oops, Boebert, in 2022.
He was born in Montana on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, where his father worked as a doctor. When he was 5, the family relocated to Minneapolis. Frisch attended CU Boulder (‘Sko Buffs!) and graduated to pursue a career in finance in Manhattan (where incidentally, he was working when 9/11 happened.)
Soon after, he returned to Colorado’s West Slope where he met his wife, Katy, and settled down to eventually raise his two kids. During COVID, he worked as a substitute teacher
On the issues: Frisch does not support any restrictions on a woman’s right to abortion up until 39 weeks. He is a proponent of affordable housing, helping small businesses and calls himself a moderate Democrat.
Frisch said he supported the bipartisan immigration bill that faltered in Congress earlier this year and supports long-term protections for people enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACE, program. He will work across the aisle to solve Colorado’s issues, including drought, housing and health care, rather than using his position to seek fame and stoke chaos like what’s-her-name.
For info: adamforcolorado.com
? Jeff Hurd (Republican)
Hometown: Grand Junction
Background: A Colorado native, Hurd grew up in Grand junction where his father was a psychologist for low-income families. He graduated from Notre Dame, DU Law School and got an advanced degree from Columbia. He worked in New York City until returning to G.J. in 2014, where he lives with wife, Barbora, and five children.
In addition to going through a lot of groceries and toilet paper, he is a lawyer representing clients such as electric cooperatives, counties, school and fire districts, and broadband providers.
He served as Chairman of the Board of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce.
On the issues: Hurd is dedicated to the conservative values of the Constitution, limited government, individual rights, free markets and rule of law.
Although pro-life, he is against a federal abortion ban and believes in exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. But, he said abortion should be outlawed at some point in a pregnancy. He calls for building a secure border wall and deporting illegal immigrants who have committed violent crimes.
For info: jeffhurdforcolorado.com ?