Michael Dougherty

Dougherty obtained a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a law degree from Boston University. Dougherty worked as a local prosecutor in Manhattan for 12 years. In 2009, Dougherty moved to Colorado to lead the state's DNA justice review project. He later worked as the head of Colorado's Criminal Justice Section. As of the 2026 election, Dougherty was an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m running for Attorney General because Colorado needs a proven prosecutor who will fight for justice, protect our democracy, and stand up for our values. Colorado deserves an Attorney General who has real courtroom experience holding people accountable and fighting for Colorado. Our next Attorney General must have a proven track record as a leader and a vision for the future of Colorado. I am the one candidate who has served as a prosecutor and leader for the Attorney General’s Office. I understand the importance and impact of that office, how to set the priorities, and how to lead a staff of over 700 people. Colorado needs an Attorney General who can lead through these tumultuous times. I have led the Manhattan DA’s Office, Colorado AG’s Office, and DA’s Office. I am the only candidate who has served at the AG’s Office, handled cases all around the state, and has strong bipartisan support to become Attorney General.

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 running for Attorney General because Colorado needs a proven prosecutor who will fight for justice; social justice, racial justice, criminal justice and economic justice to protect our democracy, and stand up for our values. Colorado deserves an Attorney General who has real courtroom experience holding people accountable and fighting for Colorado. When it comes to fighting Donald Trump, Colorado needs an AG who knows how to win in court. I have led the Manhattan DA’s Office, Colorado AG’s Office, and DA’s Office. I am the only candidate who has served at the AG’s Office, handled cases all around the state, and has strong bipartisan support to become Attorney General.My top priorities are public safety, our environment, protecting rights and the rule of law, affordability and consumer protection, abortion access, civil rights, and defending Colorado from federal overreach. I’ve spent my career leading lawyers and prosecuting serious cases where the stakes are high and the responsibility is real. That work requires judgment, integrity, and a deep respect for the law, because outcomes matter for victims, families, and entire communities.Coloradans want an Attorney General who can take on violent crime, civil rights, protect consumers from fraud and rising costs, and stand up to the federal government. I will protect our marginalized and vulnerable communities – as I have done as District Attorney. I have never backed down in the fight for justice and never lost the fight – whether it be a mass murderer, corporation, police officer, or elected official on the other side of the courtroom. I am the only candidate who has built successful criminal justice reforms and worked to reduce gun violence. I have traveled over 17,000 miles across the state to meet with voters and provide Know Your Rights training. And I will continue to show up as the People's Lawyer as AG.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Private prisons should be outlawed – including at the state level. I will continue to fight for these changes, as I have in Op-eds, legislative testimony, and public statements for years. This is not a new issue for me. I have been fighting on it since becoming District Attorney in 2018. Allowing profit into the criminal justice system – for any purpose - undermines its integrity, effectiveness, and public perception. We would never tolerate profit incentives for law enforcement officers, judges, public defenders, or prosecutors; we should not do so for prisons.

As the People’s Lawyer, I will protect our public lands and water while seeking justice against corporate misconduct, including data center developers. With the EPA being rolled back, my experience prosecuting environmental crimes is essential. I will aggressively target polluters who disproportionately harms low-income and minority communities.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Colorado Ceasefire PAC, Greater Denver Transit, Rocky Mountain Equality Action Fund

Campaign websiteDougherty's campaign website stated the following:Experience and TrustColorado deserves an Attorney General who’s ready on Day One to protect what matters most: our safety, our constitutional rights, our water and environment, and our way of life.For Michael Dougherty, this isn’t a talking point – it’s the culmination of nearly 30 years as a career prosecutor. He’s led in the courtroom, in times of tragedy and crisis, and across Colorado’s communities, taking on tough cases and standing up for victims, workers, and families. These issues demand authentic leadership, not rhetoric. Michael brings the experience, expertise, and working relations throughout Colorado’s justice system. It’s time for steady hands, proven judgment, and real courage.Let’s achieve big things for Colorado, backed by the experience to win in court.Recognition and Awards: Champion of Democracy Award from the Boulder County Democratic PartyOutstanding Contribution and Service from the Well-Being Recognition Program of Legal EmployersOutstanding Trial Team for the prosecution of the King Soopers mass murder, Colorado District Attorneys’ CouncilAffordability and Consumer ProtectionHigh prices for groceries, rent, and housing are squeezing Colorado families.Seniors, students, renters, and low-income families are especially at risk from scams, fraud, and unfair business practices that threaten the financial security of all Coloradans. The Attorney General plays a critical role in protecting these and other vulnerable communities by enforcing antitrust laws, prosecuting mortgage fraud, and protecting tenants from abuse by landlords and real estate companies. As Attorney General, Michael will use every legal tool to keep Colorado affordable for working families and seniors.Michael’s Track Record:Held corporations accountable for fraud and cheating their customersExpanded community education programs to stop fraud before harm is doneWon a $1 million case against a realty company for deceptive fees and the withholding of security depositsCivil Rights and Free SpeechFree expression and voting rights are Colorado values.Both are enshrined in the Colorado and the United States Constitutions. And whether the infringement on our liberties comes from a lone individual or the Trump Administration, Michael will continue to act decisively to protect our rights and freedoms. As Attorney General, Michael will stand with every Coloradan to defend our democracy, no matter the politics.Michael’s Track RecordCreated the first DA Hate Crimes Initiative and Hotline in 2018 Currently prosecuting the terror attack on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall against a peaceful community groupSuccessfully prosecuted election fraud by an elected officialCommitted to civil rights actions against violators of constitutional freedomsCollaborated with Boulder County’s Clerk and Recorder to educate voters on ballot security and prevent fraudRecognition and Awards: Clela Rorex Award from Rocky Mountain Equality (formerly Out Boulder County)Crime and Public Safetyor 29 years, Michael has fought for victims and communities as a prosecutor committed to both enhancing public safety and working to improve our justice system. From the Sex Crimes Unit and executive staff at the Manhattan DA's Office, to running the Criminal Section at the Colorado Attorney General's Office, to now serving in my eighth year as Boulder County District Attorney - Michael has strived to meet these goals through numerous initiatives and programs. As Attorney General, I plan to take my successful, progressive efforts statewide. Here are the Top 10 initiatives from my work as District Attorney:Started the first DA Conviction Integrity Unit in 2018, creating a legal process to investigate claims of wrongful convictionInitiated a first-of-its-kind data review for racial inequities in the justice systemExpanded and continue to oversee successful Restorative Justice & Diversion Programs for youth and adults, including the first Mental Health Diversion Program in Colorado in 2019Lead a DA Immigrant Protection Program that has been providing Know Your Rights trainings and legal protections for immigrants since 2018Led Colorado’s Sentencing Reform Task ForceCreated the first DA Hate Crimes Initiative, with a dedicated hotline and staff to respond to hate crimesStarted the groundbreaking Fresh Start Warrant Forgiveness Program, which has now been replicated throughout the metro areaEstablished the first Domestic Violence Acute Response Team, giving victims immediate supportCreated a nationally-recognized DA Human Trafficking Unit Helped develop the innovative Free Gun Safe Giveaway Program to reduce incidents of gun violence and teen suicides with stolen, unsecured weaponsCollaborated with District Attorneys statewide on prosecuting homicides and violent crimes in their jurisdictionsLead statewide law enforcement training improvements as DALaunched Drug Diversion Program and Driver Diversion ProgramRecognition and Awards: Colorado District Attorneys’ Council: Outstanding Trial Team for the prosecution of Mark RedwineColorado District Attorneys’ Council: Outstanding Trial Team for the prosecution of the King Soopers mass murderAward of Recognition from the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for homicide assistanceThese successful programs reflect the experience, determination, and collaborative relationships that I will bring to the Colorado Attorney General's office. Also, know that I will use this same energy and resourcefulness to take on Donald Trump and his lawless administration — and win those fights, as I have throughout my career as a public servant, prosecutor, and leader of public law offices. I know what it takes to handle the toughest cases in court while leading hundreds of lawyers to strive for justice — and to do it with integrity.Criminal Justice ReformFrom serving on the Cold Case Review Team, to co-chairing the Sentencing Reform Task Force, to overturning wrongful convictions for murder, Michael Dougherty has devoted his legal career to ensuring that justice is applied evenly and fairly. Michael’s Track RecordReceived the national Innocence Project’s Award for his work on eyewitness identification reformMember of the Colorado Commission on Criminal & Juvenile JusticeLaunched the first Mental Health Diversion Program in the stateLaunched the first Fresh Start Warrant Forgiveness Program in Colorado Environment, Water, and Public LandsColorado’s natural environment is at risk from drought, pollution, and threats to sell our public lands.The Colorado River Compact, set to expire in 2026, creates an urgent need for negotiation and legal readiness – especially if Colorado’s case goes to the Supreme Court. As Attorney General, Michael will defend Colorado’s water rights, hold polluters accountable, and block any attempt to sell public lands for profit.Michael’s Track RecordProsecuted environmental crimes as head of the Criminal Section in the Attorney General’s OfficeCommitted to blocking public land sell-offs through immediate court actionPrepared to defend Colorado’s share of the Colorado River in negotiations and litigation at the U.S. Supreme CourtGun ViolenceGun violence has shaken too many Colorado communities.As District Attorney, Michael has real experience with the tragedies of gun violence from NYC to Colorado, including as the lead prosecutor of the King Soopers mass shooter, who was convicted at trial. As Attorney General, Michael will support responsible gun ownership and practical methods for reducing gun violence – such as gun locks, common-sense legislation, red-flag laws, and community education.Michael’s Track RecordLed the King Soopers mass-shooting case, coordinating 150 investigators and securing convictionsWorked with gun safety and gun violence prevention groups to address gun violence trends and improve public safety.Created Colorado's first free gun safe distribution program, preventing needless tragedies, including teen suicides and shootings committed with stolen gunsPromoted safe gun storage awareness in partnership with schools and youth activistsServed on the School Safety Resource Center Advisory Board for Colorado’s District AttorneysHate Crimes and Equal JusticeAttacks against LGBTQ+, Jewish, and immigrant communities have proliferated – and Michael has led the successful prosecutions of hate crimes.As District Attorney, his signature Hate Crimes Initiative set a new standard for accountability, trust, and training. As Attorney General, Michael will expand the initiative to ensure every community is protected. Additionally, he has successfully fought for key legislative changes to the hate crimes laws. Michael’s Track RecordEstablished Colorado’s first Hate Crimes Initiative in 2018Successfully advocated for strengthened hate crime laws targeting vulnerable communitiesCreated a Victim Hotline for those fearful of reporting hate crimes to policeBuilt partnerships with LGBTQ+ leaders and communities across the Front Range to restore community trust in law enforcement and prosecutorsRecognition and AwardsJudge Horace “Bud” & June Holmes Community Award from Attention HomesTechnology & AIMore than ever, Colorado’s innovation economy depends on smart policy, effective public-private partnerships, and an Attorney General’s office that will protect against predatory practices.Throughout his career, Michael Dougherty has worked directly with tech leaders to strengthen cybersecurity, public safety, and data transparency. As District Attorney, he has prioritized the adoption of digital forensics to combat human trafficking and child sexually exploitative material, and he has strengthened cybercrime enforcement and digital privacy protections.Priorities as Attorney GeneralChampion smart policies on AI, advanced analytics development, and quantumProtect kids’ mental health and physical well-being on social mediaEnsure Colorado's leadership in digital-age public safety, protection, and cybersecurityGuard against overly burdensome frameworks and streamline compliance so high-growth companies can scale responsibly in ColoradoWorkers' RightsA strong economy depends on a strong working class.Michael will protect every Coloradan’s right to fair pay, safe conditions, and collective bargaining. His blue-collar roots and union experience shape his belief that the Attorney General must stand with working people – not corporations.Michael’s Track RecordFormer Teamsters Union member while working nights at UPSForcefully lobbied for approval of Colorado’s Wage Theft Prevention Law in 2019Trained DA offices statewide on wage-theft enforcementReceived the Wage Justice Champion Award in 2019Continues to support the Worker Protection Act to strengthen union rights— Michael Dougherty's campaign website (May 16, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.