Ava Flanell

Ava Flanell earned a bachelor's degree from Fordham University. Flanell's career experience includes working as a firearms instructor and business owner.[4][5]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was raised by two conservative, entrepreneurial parents whose businesses have proudly served Colorado Springs for more than 45 years. Growing up in my family’s store, I learned the values of hard work, personal responsibility, customer service, and basic economics.

After graduating from a local charter school, I attended Fordham University, earning a double major in just three years. I worked for the New York Yankees in legal and finance before returning to Colorado in 2012.

In 2013, I launched a firearms training company, and in 2017, I started a marketing company. As a successful business owner for more than a decade, I’ve developed skills in leadership, budgeting, strategic planning, and problem-solving. Those real-world experiences guide my work as a legislator.

I became involved in politics after seeing firsthand the damage bad legislation was doing to Colorado. I began testifying at the Capitol, learned the legislative process, and played a large role in defeating bills. My advocacy earned national recognition in 2025, including awards such as Woman of the Year, Defender of Liberty, and Defender of Freedom.

This past session, I put my experience to work and was recognized as one of the top legislators who helped defeat the most bills. I never planned to be a politician, but I felt called to serve. If we want change, we can’t wait for someone else to make it happen, we must be that change.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I’m a fighter and a steadfast advocate for conservative values. I won’t stay silent when I believe our beautiful state is headed in the wrong direction. Long before I held office, I spent years voluntarily traveling to the Capitol to testify against harmful legislation, meeting with lawmakers to persuade them to oppose bad bills, and using my platforms to educate and engage the public.

My commitment to Colorado is not political, it’s personal. I care deeply about the future of this state, and I won’t back down when it comes to defending the freedoms, opportunities, and values that make Colorado special. We are at a critical turning point, and it is more important than ever to elect strong leaders.When I see a problem, I look for solutions instead of wasting time on political theater.

We have some outstanding Republicans at the Capitol, but doing the same thing year after year won’t produce different results. During this legislative session, I paid attention to what worked and adapted my approach.

I focused on productive conversations and finding opportunities to persuade members across the aisle to vote with Republicans. As a result, I helped defeat numerous bills and successfully passed amendments that improved others. The Judiciary Committee, which had previously been known for advancing some of the most controversial legislation, earned a reputation this year as the "kill committee."Colorado has been under one-party control for more than a decade. It’s easy to focus on national politics and lose sight of what’s happening here at home. In just the last six years, Colorado has lost nearly 100 major businesses, resulting in the loss of almost 14,000 jobs. We’ve become the 6th most regulated state in the nation, the 3rd most expensive place to live, and we continue to rank among the top 10 states for violent crime.

When Republicans hold just 22 of 65 seats in the House and 12 of 35 seats in the Senate, voices are not being fully represented. A healthy democracy benefits from balance, accountability, and robust debate. It’s time to restore that balance.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about making Colorado affordable and safe again. As a Colorado native, I’ve seen firsthand how much our state has changed, and I know what it’s capable of becoming. I want to ensure that future generations can afford to live, work, raise a family, and pursue their dreams here.

I’m also deeply passionate about protecting constitutional rights, defending parental rights, and reducing unnecessary regulations that make it harder for families, workers, and businesses to succeed. I believe government works best when it focuses on its core responsibilities, protects individual liberty, and removes barriers that stand in the way of opportunity and prosperity.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal

Fraternal Order of Police

Former House Representative and Minority Leader, Rose Pugliese

Colorado Chamber of Commerce

Colorado Association of Realtors

District Attorney Michael Allen