Congressman Joe Neguse delivered a message of hope and optimism to the Gilpin County Democrats at their caucus and assembly on March 9, 2024, at the Gilpin school. The Democrats also nominated a slate of candidates for the June 25 primary. Primary winners will become the Democratic Party nominees for the general election in November.

Neguse is running for reelection to his fourth term representing the 2nd Congressional District. He is currently the fifth-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives and sits on both the Judiciary and Natural Resources committees.

In his remarks to the caucus, Neguse recounted how he first campaigned in Gilpin County in 2007 for CU regent. He said that back then he was bright-eyed, altruistic, and filled with the hope that we could build a brighter future for our state and our nation. Seventeen years later, he said that he is still as optimistic as he was when he started his public service.

Neguse was grateful that Gilpin County has supported him every step of the way. He said that Gilpin is a small but mighty county, and the work he does in Washington ensures that Gilpin gets the resources it deserves in order to thrive. He cited federal funding for Timberline Fire Protection District and the Gilpin Sheriff’s office as examples.

Neguse ended his presentation by recognizing former Commissioner and State Senator Jeanne Nicholson as his political godmother, and saying that he believes that hope will prevail.

The other state and local candidates running on the Democratic ticket also made presentations.

The only contested race in the June primary will be for CU Regent, between Elliot Hood and Charles Johnson. Also on the primary ballot will be Jeff Aiken for County Commissioner in District 1, Sandy Hollingsworth for County Commissioner in District 3, Lesley Smith for House District 49, Kathy Gebhart for State Education Board in CD2, Alexis King for District Attorney in Judicial District 1, and Joe Neguse for Congressional District 2.

The Gilpin Democrats held both their caucus and assembly on the same day, and concluded those meeting by passing resolutions to send to the state party involving healthcare, affordable housing for workers in resort towns like Vail and Black Hawk, environmental protections including dark skies, and reproductive rights.

The Gilpin County Democratic Party maintains a webpage (gilpincountydems.org), a Facebook group, and an Instagram account. They can be contacted at gilpindemschair@gmail.com. Video of Neguse’s remarks, along with the other candidates’ speeches, are available on these social media platforms.