Michael Pierson

Michael Pierson served in the U.S. Air Force from 1989 to 2009. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati and a graduate degree from The Ohio State University. His career experience includes working as a public relations professional.[1][2]

Pierson has been affiliated with the following organizations:[3]

Toastmasters International

Air and Space Force Association

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Disabled American Veterans

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a retired Air Force officer, former federal civil servant, husband, father, and longtime Colorado Springs resident. My family has lived in House District 22 since 2005, and our children attended local public schools here.

Over more than three decades of public service, I learned that leadership means listening, bringing people together, solving problems, and being accountable for results. My career included helping stand up U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Space Force, and I continue to serve our community through volunteer work with Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado and the Space Foundation Discovery Center.

I’m running for the Colorado House because I believe government should work for ordinary people. Working families are struggling with the cost of housing, healthcare, childcare, groceries, and other everyday necessities. I want to bring a practical, results-oriented approach to the legislature that puts working families first, strengthens public schools, spends taxpayer dollars responsibly, and looks for common ground instead of another political fight.

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?

Put working families FIRSTFully fund Colorado's K-12 public schoolsFinish Powers Boulevard (CO-21)

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m most passionate about policies that make life more affordable and secure for working families. That means expanding attainable housing, lowering healthcare and childcare costs, strengthening public education, improving transportation, and making sure wages keep pace with the cost of living.

I also care deeply about workers’ rights, responsible state spending, and government accountability. People who work hard should be able to support a family and build a secure future. I want government focused on practical solutions that deliver measurable results, not ideological fights, and I’m willing to work across party lines to get those solutions enacted.

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

I look up most to my father. He ran recreation centers in urban Cincinnati during the 1960s and 1970s, and I saw firsthand the difference those programs made for young people who often had few other opportunities. He taught me that public service is about showing up, treating people with dignity, and helping create opportunities for others.

I have tried to carry that lesson throughout my own career in military and civilian public service. The example I want to follow is simple: listen to people, do the work, take responsibility for the results, and leave the community a little better than you found it.

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

I’d emphasize integrity, accountability, listening, and practical problem-solving:

The most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, accountability, humility, and a willingness to listen. Public office is a responsibility, not a reward. Elected officials should be honest about what government can and cannot do, careful with taxpayer dollars, and willing to explain their decisions. They should also be able to work with people they disagree with. I believe good government comes from listening to constituents, focusing on results rather than ideology, and remembering that the job is ultimately to make life better for the people you represent.

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

For a state legislator, the core responsibilities are to listen to constituents, make thoughtful laws, responsibly manage taxpayer dollars, and hold state government accountable. Legislators should focus on solving real problems, not creating political theater. They also have a duty to provide strong constituent service and make sure people can navigate state government when they need help. Most importantly, an elected official should represent the entire district, not just their party or supporters, and be willing to work across party lines when that produces better results for the people they serve.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be remembered as someone who made government work a little better for the people it serves. I hope my legacy would be one of practical problem-solving, responsible stewardship, and putting working families ahead of political interests.

I would want people to say that I listened, treated others with respect, worked across differences, and focused on results. If I can help make Colorado more affordable, strengthen our public schools, expand opportunity, and leave state government more accountable and effective than I found it, I would consider that a meaningful legacy.

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

I started cutting grass at 14 and kept that up through high school. I also worked in a bakery, mini-golf, and restaurants through high school. I learned the value of hard work, finishing the job, and learning to work with others.

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

My family moved many times when I was growing up, a trait which continued through my 20 year military career. I learned the value of planning and resilience, but also how to adapt to new communities.

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

The governor and legislature should be partners in governing, but each has an independent responsibility to the people of Colorado. A legislature should not simply be a rubber stamp for a governor of the same party, nor should it automatically oppose a governor of the other party.

The best relationship is one built on open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to negotiate in good faith. Legislators should carefully evaluate the governor’s proposals, improve them where necessary, and say no when they believe a different approach better serves their constituents.

Our system works best when both branches respect their constitutional roles, provide appropriate checks and balances, and remain focused on solving problems rather than scoring political points.

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

Colorado’s greatest challenge over the next decade will be managing growth without making the state unaffordable for the people who already live and work here. Housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and energy costs are putting increasing pressure on working families.

At the same time, Colorado must protect its limited water resources, modernize transportation and other infrastructure, strengthen public education, and manage the transition to cleaner energy without shifting unreasonable costs onto families. We also need a state government that spends responsibly and focuses on measurable results.

These challenges are interconnected. Colorado can continue to grow and prosper, but only if we plan ahead, invest wisely, and make sure economic growth improves the quality of life for working families rather than pricing them out of their own communities.

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

Yes. Compromise is often necessary in a representative democracy, and when done well it can produce stronger, more durable policy. Compromise does not mean abandoning core principles; it means recognizing that people can disagree in good faith and still find common ground.

I believe legislators should start by identifying the problem they are trying to solve, listen to the people affected, and then work across party lines when possible. I would rather achieve meaningful progress through a bipartisan agreement than preserve ideological purity and accomplish nothing. The goal should be results that improve people’s lives and earn broad public confidence.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

My campaign has earned support from organizations representing working people, educators, veterans, public safety advocates, and reproductive health leaders. Endorsements include VoteVets, Teamsters Local 455, the Colorado AFL-CIO, the Colorado Education Association, Moms Demand Action, Colorado Ceasefire, Mental Health Now, Cobalt, and Planned Parenthood. I’m proud of the breadth of this support because it reflects the kind of coalition I want to build in the legislature—people focused on stronger families, safer communities, good jobs, quality schools, access to healthcare, and practical solutions that improve everyday life.

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

The first major historical event I remember clearly is President Richard Nixon’s resignation in August 1974. I was young, but I remember the seriousness of the moment and the sense that something extraordinary was happening in the country. Looking back, it reinforced an important lesson: no individual is above the law, public officials must be accountable for their actions, and our democratic institutions are stronger when people put their responsibilities to the country ahead of personal or partisan interests.

Note: Pierson submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on August 25, 2026.

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September 22 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m running to represent House District 22 because I believe our community deserves a voice in Denver that puts people ahead of politics. Elected officials should focus on making government work for everyone—not on personal egos or agendas.

My family and I have called this district home since 2005. My wife and I raised our kids here, and they attended Jenkins Middle School and Doherty High. Like so many of you, I understand the challenges families face—working hard to pay the mortgage or rent, keeping our neighborhoods safe, and making sure our children get the education they need to succeed.

Service has been the constant in my life. I served as an Air Force officer, then as a civil servant, and now as a volunteer with Care and Share Food Bank and the Space Foundation. Public service isn’t just a career for me—it’s who I am.

If elected, I’ll listen to your concerns, fight for our district’s priorities, and work every day to make you proud to have me as your representative in the Colorado Legislature.

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?

Real Results, Not Just Speeches

I’m committed to delivering for the people of House District 22. That means pushing CDOT to prioritize long-overdue improvements to Powers Boulevard, fully funding our public schools, and creating a citizen-led commission to cut red tape so our laws work for today’s Colorado.Service First

I know how to get things done while keeping public service at the heart of every decision. From my years as an Air Force officer to my career as a civil servant and now as a volunteer with Care and Share Food Bank and the Space Foundation, I’ve built a lifetime of serving others.A Patient Progressive Approach

I want Colorado to be a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place. But we have to be smart—moving forward without piling more costs onto working families. I’ll fight for progress that strengthens our communities without making it harder to afford to live here.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about making government work for everyone, not just the wealthy or well-connected. We live in the richest country in history, and we should be able to provide the basics that every family depends on—strong public schools, safe and reliable roads, and affordable healthcare. These aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities that give people the foundation to build better lives.

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

My go-to leadership example is General Colin Powell. His Servant-Leader style and his “13 rules of Leadership” have guided me for decades.

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

I think elected officials are responsible for making government work for everyone, leaving their egos at the door.

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

First and foremost, a Representative must be a strong voice for the people of their district—speaking up and fighting for policies that make a real difference in their lives.

Equally important is how that work gets done. Representatives should act with professionalism and help create a respectful, productive environment where the people’s business comes first.

Finally, an effective Representative must be willing to work across differences—finding common ground with colleagues from all backgrounds and viewpoints to craft policies that benefit not just one district, but the entire state of Colorado.

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

President Richard Nixon's resignation. I was only 7, but I remember the impact it seemed to have on the country at the time. I've been fascinated by historic accounts of that time; it impacted generations of Americans.

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

My dad managed a city park and got me a job cleaning bathrooms and picking up trash. That lasted two summers in High School.

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

The Governor as the chief executive should have a professional, working relationship with the legislature, bringing to them issues of importance to make the state run better for its people. The Governor should be open to conversations with legislators and honest about how she/he feels about pending legislation.

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

Population growth is driving the most important changes for Colorado. Our beauty and opportunity are attracting more people, driving up housing prices, driving down housing availability, and taking a toll on our infrastructure.

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

Yes and no. I think the people who best represent their district should be elected to office. Experience can be gained through experienced mentors if they need to learn the processes.

My professional experience in the Federal Government put me in direct contact with State, County and Local officials. It was my job to facilitate cooperation between these levels of government and the Air Force.

Within my Air Force experience, I have been part of massive organizations with multi-billion-dollar budgets. I've seen how planning is done and how government agencies are forces to make and carry out hard decisions.

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

Yes—it’s absolutely vital. A legislature brings together people from every corner of the state, each representing different communities and perspectives. To get meaningful work done for the people of Colorado, everyone’s voice needs to be heard, and compromises need to be made. That requires building strong, professional relationships, even with those we may not always agree with personally. Respectful collaboration is the only way to move good ideas forward and make sure the legislature delivers results for all Coloradans.

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?

During my 2024 campaign, I spoke with hundreds of residents in House District 22, and a common theme stood out: the rising cost of living in Colorado. Many people told me they worry they’ll have to leave our state—even though they love their jobs, their neighborhoods, and their community. This is heartbreaking, especially here in Colorado Springs, where so many of our families are military veterans or currently serving. These are hard-working people who make our community strong, and we risk losing them if Colorado becomes unaffordable. That’s why I’m committed to finding practical ways to bring down costs and keep Colorado a place where people can put down roots and thrive.

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

The legislature should define clear limits on the scope and duration of emergency powers in advance, through legislation passed before a crisis arises. This ensures accountability and prevents overreach while still allowing government to act quickly when needed. At the same time, the legislature must remain flexible and responsive to new or unforeseen threats—whether that’s a public health emergency, a natural disaster, or challenges to our democracy. Striking the right balance between preparedness and adaptability is essential to protecting both public safety and individual freedoms.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce would eliminate the “second vote” requirement in Colorado law that makes it harder for workers to organize a union. Right now, employees not only have to vote to unionize, but then face a second vote before the union is allowed to operate.

This outdated rule gives corporations the upper hand. They can stall negotiations after the first vote, bring in teams of lawyers, and undercut workers’ efforts before a union even gets started. It’s a relic of old-fashioned union-busting tactics, and it doesn’t belong in a modern economy.

Workers deserve a fair process to organize and advocate for themselves. By updating this law, we can level the playing field and ensure Colorado’s workforce is protected in the 21st century.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

(2024) VoteVets, American Federation of Teachers-CO, Colorado AFL-CIO. Ceasefire Colorado.

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

I support state-wide ballot initiatives. They offer voters a Direct-Democracy alternative to the Legislature. We need to do more, however, to prevent out-of-state corporate and PAC money from overwhelming the system. So far, Colorado voters have seen through the smokescreens these PAC's have laid down. Funding must be transparent.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I'm proud of raising a happy, healthy, productive family, despite the turmoil of a 20-year military service to my county.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in your state?

I think our state and local elections are as fair, safe and accurate as humanly possible. Technology advances and lessons learned from previous elections will help us make our elections even more secure.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm running to represent HD-22 because I believe my district needs a representative to represent all of us in Denver. I think elected officials are responsible for making government work for everyone, leaving their egos at the door.

I've lived in this district since 2005. My wife and I raised our children here; they attended Jenkins Middle School and Doherty High School. I know our district is full of hard-working individuals with families to support and mortgages or rent to pay. We want government that works for us; fixing the roads, keeping us safe from crime and educating our children to be productive citizens who care.

I've spent a lifetime in service to my country, first as an Air Force officer, then as a government civil servant and now as a volunteer for Care and Share Foodbank and the Space Foundation. I want to continue to serve you by representing you in the Colorado Legislature. I promise I'll listen to your concerns, I'll prioritize this district, and I'll make you proud that I'm speaking for 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?

Elected officials are responsible for making government work for everyone, leaving their egos at the door.I've spent a lifetime in service to my country, first as an Air Force officer, then as a government civil servant and now as a volunteer for Care and Share Foodbank and the Space Foundation.I'll prioritize this district, and I'll make you proud that I'm speaking for you.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about making government work for everyone. We're the richest country in the history of the world and should be able to afford great schools, good roads and decent healthcare for all.

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

I think elected officials are responsible for making government work for everyone, leaving their egos at the door.

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

I served my country for more than 30 years. I believe that my "servant leader" attitude would make me successful as an office holder. I'm also an accomplished public speaker and interpersonal communicator. I have no trouble talking to anyone, but I also pride myself on listening.

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

Speaking up and fighting for the issues that impact the people of their district and not becoming distracted with generating publicity.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Someone who put himself out there to serve his fellow citizens.

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

Richard Nixon's resignation. I was only 6, but I remember the impact it seemed to have on the country at the time. I've been fascinated by historic accounts of that time; it impacted generations of Americans.

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

My dad ran a city park in Cincinnati. He got me a summer job on the cleaning crew. I had that job for two summers and made some great friends from different backgrounds.

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

"Keeping the Faith" by Billy Joel. It's about living in the present and not getting stuck in the past.

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

The Governor as the chief executive should have a professional, working relationship with the legislature, bringing to them issues of importance to make the state run better for its people. The Governor should be open to conversations with legislators and honest about how she/he feels about pending legislation.

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

Population growth is driving the most important changes for Colorado. Our beauty and opportunity are attracting more people, driving up housing prices, driving down housing availability, and taking a toll on our infrastructure.

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

Yes and no. I think the people who best represent their district should be elected to office. They can find experienced mentors if they need to learn the processes.

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

It's VITAL. A legislature is a gathering of people representing all sorts of citizens. Everyone's voice needs to be heard and compromises have to be made to get work done for the people of the state. Legislators need to work together professionally, for the good of everyone, even if they don't like each other personally.

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

I admire legislators who stand by their principles, yet still find a way to get things done. Sam Nunn of Georgia, John McCain of Arizona, and Bob Dole of Kansas are my models.

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

I'll go where I'm called to serve.

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

The legislature should limit the scope and term of emergency powers in legislation enacted BEFORE an emergency.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

El Paso County Democratic Party

What committees interest you?

Transportation, environmental, military/veterans affairs, budget

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The government is responsible to the people, so transparency helps ensure accountability. I understand that some wheeling and dealing has to go on behind the scenes for work to get done for the people, but there needs to be an easy way for citizens to see who has been involved in the process.