Duane Gurule

Duane Gurule earned a high school diploma from Rocky Ford High School and a bachelor's degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2017. His career experience includes working as an IT manager.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a husband, father, first-generation college graduate, and current Mayor of Rocky Ford.

My story is one of resilience and second chances. I grew up in poverty, made serious mistakes as a young adult, and spent time in Colorado's correctional system. While incarcerated, I discovered a passion for technology and education that changed the course of my life. After my release, I earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from Metro State University of Denver and built a career in technology, nonprofit leadership, and public service.

Today, I serve as Mayor of Rocky Ford, work for Hunger Free Colorado, and lead the Small Town Project, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening rural communities through food security, youth development, economic opportunity, and community health. Through this work, I have helped connect families with food resources, support Healthy School Meals for All, promote local agricultural purchasing, expand youth programs, and support small businesses.

I am focused on protecting water rights, strengthening public schools, expanding healthcare access, creating higher-paying jobs, supporting agriculture, improving public safety , and diversifying rural economies. My life experience has taught me that people deserve opportunities, not labels, and that government works best when it listens to the people it serves. I am running to be a strong voice for working families and the future of rural Colorado.

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?

Rural Colorado Needs More Opportunity, Not More of the Same. Senate District 35 includes some of the poorest counties in Colorado. While agriculture remains a vital part of our economy, we cannot build a stronger future by relying on a single industry alone. I will fight to protect agriculture while also attracting new industries, expanding technology and trades training, supporting small businesses, improving rural healthcare, and creating higher-paying jobs. Our children should not have to leave their hometowns to find opportunity.I Understand the Challenges Facing Working Families Because I Have Lived Them. My life story is proof that people deserve opportunities, not labels. I grew up in poverty, spent time in Colorado's correctional system, earned a college degree, built a career in technology and nonprofit leadership, and now serve as Mayor of Rocky Ford. I know what it means to struggle, work hard, and rebuild. I will bring a perspective to the State Senate that is often missing and fight for policies that expand opportunity, strengthen public safety, and help more Coloradans succeed.Rural Communities Deserve Investment and a Strong Voice at the Capitol. For too long, rural Colorado has sent legislators to the Capitol who talk about our challenges but struggle to deliver meaningful results. I will be able to work directly with the Democratic majority to pass legislation that benefits Senate District 35, including protecting water rights, strengthening public schools, expanding healthcare access, supporting agriculture, investing in public safety, and creating economic opportunities beyond traditional industries. Representation matters, but results matter more. I am running to ensure our district has a seat at the table and a voice that can turn ideas and words into real solutions and action.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about expanding opportunity in rural Colorado. My top policy priorities include economic development, public education, healthcare access, water protection, food security, agriculture, and criminal justice reform. I believe we must create higher-paying jobs, strengthen public schools, protect our water rights, support local agriculture, and improve access to healthcare so families can thrive in their hometowns. My life experience has taught me that people deserve opportunities, not labels, and I am committed to policies that help working families build a better future.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I am passionate about expanding opportunity in rural Colorado. My top policy priorities include economic development, public education, healthcare access, water protection, food security, agriculture, and criminal justice reform. I believe we must create higher-paying jobs, strengthen public schools, protect our water rights, support local agriculture, and improve access to healthcare so families can thrive in their hometowns. My life experience has taught me that people deserve opportunities, not labels, and I am committed to policies that help working families build a better future.