Chris Richardson

Chris Richardson was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 2011. Richardson earned a high school diploma from Classical High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1988, and a military citation from US Army Command & General Staff College in 2001. Richardson's career experience includes working as a military officer, professional logistician, and resource manager. As of 2024, Richardson was affiliated with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Like many who live outside the Denver Metro area, I find the Colorado I once knew rapidly fading away. The divide between those who live in the largely agricultural eastern plains and those who control the legislature has never been wider – and it seems to be growing. If our voices are even heard, they are being ignored. This needs to change.

I will bring over twenty years of military service and a decade of practical elected experience in local government- as a former School Board Director and current County Commissioner- to the General Assembly.

In a legislature packed with activists and organizers, we need more people that have experience actually getting things done. We need more people that put their constituents ahead of ideology, and who serve the citizens, not the state. I will speak for the citizens of eastern Colorado. I will represent you.

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 will provide a voice in the legislature to those on Colorado's eastern plainsI am a Proven, Conservative, LeaderColorado must reverse its course

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I swore to uphold the Constitution over 38 years ago and hold true to that oath. The primary role of government is to protect the individual rights of the citizens. I hold true to the belief that taxes should be collected only for those purposes that fund critical public functions that cannot be provided by the free market. As a father, I will work tirelessly to ensure parents have control of their children's education and moral upbringing. As a veteran, I will focus on ensuring our servicemen are honored and receive the benefits they were promised when they chose to fight for our nation. As an American, I will place preservation of the the values and ideals that made us great.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father. He is honest, decent, and quietly goes about his days helping others and expecting no recognition.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, transparency, willingness to listen and research, ability to articulate the concerns of the citizens, and a dedication to selfless service.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have lived a lifetime of public and selfless service. I have considerable life experience, have held local elected office and view holding office as a public trust.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To fully understand all aspects of legislation being considered prior to voting. To maintain the pulse of the people of the district. To represent the citizens' views and place them ahead of personal opinions. To ensure any legislation considered is Constitutional, has specific measurable an achievable goals, is necessary, and cost effective.

What legacy would you like to leave?

In every position I have ever held, I want to leave the organization I lead better than I found it.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The Apollo 14 moon landing. I was 5.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Paperboy. 5 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah - Richard Bach

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Han Solo - just seems like fun.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Rick Astley -"Never gonna give you up"

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have been blessed with a great upbringing in a loving family, a good education, and a fulfilling career. In my military career I have had to make decisions that placed people I truly cared for at great risk. I bear the responsibility for those decisions.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The Executive and Legislative Branches should remain separate. The system of checks and balances is broken if the legislature follows the lead of the Governor or vice versa. Both should respect each other's roles and both respect the people they serve.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Crime. Infrastructure to support a growing population. Water. Cost of living.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do believe that the best state legislators have an understanding of the political process they will be participate in. If you are to serve others, you have to know what you are doing. Life experience - some level of expert knowledge regarding how statute impacts people in the real world - whether in business, elected office, or other, is critical in the analysis of proposed legislation. "Feel good", impractical, and downright unworkable statute is the result of legislating without a sound basis of experiance.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, differing perspectives and experiences are always important to consider in every decision-making process.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

While there are many that come to mind, each likely has failed to live up to their own ideals a time or two. I have been impressed with the principles held, and acted on, by former Colorado Congressman Bob Schaffer.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Not at this time. I feel I am ideally suited for the position of Representative for HD56.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I regularly hear of the hardships imposed on agricultural producers in Colorado. As a grandson of a dairy farmer, it is painful to hear people talk about getting out of agriculture - multigenerational farms and ranches being shuttered and sold because the work is being made too hard and the attacks on the dignity of agricultural producers is non-stop and escalating.

Tell us your favorite joke.

A Priest, a Minister, and Rabbit walk into a bar, the Rabbit says, "I think I'm a typo".

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes. While designating an emergency and executing government response is an executive function, I do believe legislative review of continuing such declaration beyond immediate response is necessary.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A bill to rescind the myriad unconstitutional restrictions placed on the right to bear arms since 2013.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Kit Carson County Commissioners, Sen Rod Pelton, Sen Byron Pelton, Rep Richard Holtorf, Commissioners Grant Thayer (Elbert County), Steve Burgess (Lincoln County), Jeff Baker (Arapahoe County), and Ron smith (Cheyenne County)

What committees interest you?

- State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs

- Transportation, Housing & Local Government

- Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources

- Education

- Appropriations

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

These two aspects of governance are non-negotiable.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

There is a tremendous disconnect between the standards required of a citizen's initiative and those placed on the ballot by the legislature. that must change.