Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter has served the 7th Congressional District since 2007. In 2017, the congressman was part of the large Democratic field seeking the governorship, before he dropped out of that race and announced he wouldn't seek re-election to Congress. He later reversed course and was re-elected in the 2018 midterms. Perlmutter faces a different Republican opponent in this race in Casper Stockham. Ken Biles represents the Libertarian Pary and David Olszta is with the Unity Party.
The candidates appear here in the order they are set on the ballot.
2020 Voter Guide Navigation
Candidate Elevator Pitch
Charles "Casper" Stockham
"I’m running for Congress on a Values-based platform. I will be fighting to empower the Family, Finances and the Future of the good citizens of Colorado. My primary opponent is missing action and follows his party line. In fact, he toes the line and does what Nancy Pelosi tells him to do. He has little to show for 14 years in Congress and it’s time for a change. I stand for law and order, safety and security, the highest quality education, and better solutions for health care.
I’m a free-market guy so I will fight for fair trade and I am a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment and the initiatives that go after actual bad guys with guns, not law-abiding citizens. This election is about the promise of America – you and me; our challenges and heartbreaks; hopes and dreams. It’s about our values as Americans and as human beings. Do we want a society that breathes success; or one that cancels everything it even slightly disagrees with? We can find the opportunity; bigger things will come."
Rep. Ed Perlmutter
"I’m running to continue working on behalf of the hardworking folks of Adams and Jefferson counties to fight this pandemic and ensure every person has the chance to succeed. This includes supporting affordable and accessible health care, public education, access to good jobs and the skills needed to get those jobs, and protecting our beautiful outdoors. I work hard to stay accessible to the people of the 7th district and find common ground to help our communities."
David Olszta
The candidate has not returned a questionnaire.
Ken Biles
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome. If you really want change, you have to stop voting for the same two Parties."
Candidate Comparisons
Where do the candidates stand on the issues? We've lined up a comparison of the candidates below. For more in-depth information, click on either "Yes," "No," or "It's Complicated."
2020 Voter Guide Navigation
Undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Denver’s Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies led by Graduate Teaching Assistant T. Michael Boddie contributed to the reporting in this candidate guide.
Update Oct. 14: This guide was updated to include survey answers from Rep. Ed Perlmutter.
