Michael Clarkson

Michael Clarkson served in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 1999. He earned a high school diploma from Mary Carroll High School and attended Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi. Clarkson's career experience includes working as an IT professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Michael Clarkson is a veteran and technology professional. Michael currently serves as a Cloud Senior Solutions Architect, specializing in cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence integration, and data center operations. Michael will his technical expertise to advocate for responsible regulation of emerging technologies, including AI and cryptocurrency.

Michael’s commitment to community service extends beyond his professional life. He is actively involved with the LGBTQIA+ community, having served as the Chief of Security for Douglas County Pride, where he worked to ensure safe and inclusive spaces for all attendees. His dedication to civil rights and social justice is deeply rooted in his family history. Michael's grandfather, Jerome J. Clarkson, is his primary role model. A World War II veteran who landed at Normandy and was wounded by machine-gun fire in the hills of France, Jerome returned home to continue his service by marching in the Civil Rights movement. Inspired by his grandfather’s legacy of courage and compassion, Clarkson campaigns on a platform of economic growth, affordable housing, quality education, and public safety, aiming to represent the working families of District 45.

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?

Tech-Savvy Leadership for a Modern Economy: As a Cloud Senior Solutions Architect, I bring the technical expertise needed to legislate on AI, crypto, privacy, and data infrastructure. Unlike career politicians, I understand how to regulate emerging technologies to protect our power grids, artist copyright, water supplies, and privacy while fostering innovation. I will champion AI, crypto, and data center regulation, ensuring Colorado leads the digital economy without sacrificing our resources or privacy.A Legacy of Service Defending Liberty: From the Army to the community: Inspired by my grandfather, a WWII hero who fought at Normandy and marched for Civil Rights, I carry a sacred oath to protect and defend our liberties. My service continues as Chief of Security for Douglas County Pride, ensuring safe spaces for our LGBTQIA+ community. I am running to fight for every Coloradan, especially those the system has left behind, with the same courage and compassion that defined my family’s legacy. Liberties for all no matter their race, creed, religion, gender, or sexual orientation are core to a free society.Practical Solutions for Housing and Healthcare: Our district faces rising costs and a shaky housing market. I will push for smart zoning reforms and expand low-income housing incentives to protect renters from unfair evictions. Simultaneously, I will fight to expand Medicaid, protect reproductive rights, and lower prescription drug costs. My goal is a Colorado where healthcare doesn’t mean bankruptcy and families have the stability they need to thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Protecting our water and open spaces for future generations.

Protecting the liberties of all Coloradans.

Sensible regulation of AI, Crypto, and tech in general to protect artist copyright, privacy, security, and data center usage of resources.

Health care access and bodily autonomy, including the right to choose.

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

My grandfather, a WWII veteran and lifelong fighter for civil rights. He taught me that the measure of a man lies not in how he treats the CEO, but in how he treats those in need.

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

The willingness to serve the people, not corporate interests or political ambition.

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

To advocate for the people with legislation to improve the quality of life and protect the liberty of those I represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A safer, more free Colorado with our natural resources and wild spaces protected for future generations.

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

I worked with my father starting at 10 when he discovered my talent for computer work. I was working on mainframes by 11.

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

I am neurodivergent with ADHD and on the Autism spectrum. I do not consider them disabilities as they give me a unique perspective on the world and make me better at my job, but navigating a world designed for the neurotypical can be daunting. I have learned resiliency and determination as a result of my struggles to work in a world not built for me, excelling in my career and social life as a result.

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

The needs of the people must be foremost across all layers of government. The governor and legislature must be laser focused on helping their constituents, not lobbyists, not corporate interests, and not the pursuit of power.

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

Water. Current water policy in the Colorado River Compact was based on inaccurate data and every year we get closer to the West drying up. If we don't protect our water by strict planning with real, science-based data, we will run out of water in the West.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is core to policymaking, but there are certain things that cannot be compromised on. Civil rights, scientific fact, and the Constitution aren't negotiable.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Colorado Ceasefire PAC

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The Challenger explosion is seared into my memory.