Weld County Commissioner Scott James announced Wednesday he’s running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District.
James, a Republican, announced the bid for Congress the same day Republican State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer announced she’s running for reelection as a state senator, declining to run for the U.S. House seat a second time.
Democrat Rep. Yadira Caraveo won the seat in November with nearly 2,000 votes more than Kirkmeyer — less than 1% of the vote.
On his election website, scottjamesforco.com, James cites his faith and conservative principles as his reasons for seeking office.
“From the ranch, to the radio, to your representative in local government, the path may seem unlikely, but in the eyes of God, it’s perfectly directed,” James said. “Serving our community and our country is what I am called to do.”
James is serving his second term in the District 2 seat on the Weld County Board of Commissioners, representing voters in parts of Greeley, Johnstown and communities along the I-25 corridor down to Frederick, after facing no challengers in November. James has served in local government since 1999, when he was appointed to the Johnstown Planning and Zoning Commission. He served on the Town Council from 2002-2016, then served as mayor for two years before becoming a county commissioner.
James on his website said the U.S. is “an increasingly totalitarian state.”
“We see evidence every day of a two-tiered justice system that gives special treatment to its friends while persecuting its opponents,” he said. “We see crime on our streets, yet criminals not prosecuted. We see parents excluded from their children’s lives in our education system. We see a failing mental and behavioral health system all the while addiction and homelessness reach new heights.”
Caraveo, the incumbent, filed for the 2024 race in late March. Federal Election Commission data shows Caraveo has raised more than $350,000, about $75,000 of which has already been spent. Filings for James weren’t on the FEC website as of Wednesday evening.
Matthew William Payette of Firestone, an unaffiliated candidate, has also filed to run for the House seat. A Libertarian candidate in 2022 earned nearly 4% in the race for the 8th Congressional District, which includes the Greeley area and stretches south to Commerce City.
James, a Johnstown resident who grew up in LaSalle, has been in broadcasting since 1990, becoming a radio personality, most recently as host of Scott & Sadie in the Morning on Big 97.9. As a commissioner, according to his campaign website, James has worked to keep the county fiscally responsible, advocated for taxpayers and fought against restrictive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I believe in our rugged individualism and the dreams we have for our families,” James said on his website. “I believe in our commitment to freedom and the rule of law. I believe we deserve a government that is as good as the people it is elected to serve.”
