Shocking Secrets Unveiled: What This Governor Just Said at the TPUSA Forum Will Change Everything!

On February 9, 2026, the Turning Point USA (TPUSA) chapter at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) hosted a Colorado Governor Candidate Forum in the University Center. The event aimed to engage students and community members with candidates for the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election. Attendees included candidates Scott Bottoms, Greg Lopez, Chaz Evanston, Maria Orms, Jason Mikesell, and Barbra Kirkmeyer, all of whom identified as right-leaning, Republican, or Independent.

According to TPUSA chapter president James Ruehmann, the organization anticipated an audience of 300, but attendance fell short, with approximately 100 community members and 20 CMU students present. Ruehmann expressed satisfaction with the turnout but noted the absence of more students, stating, “I’m very happy that we had a lot of community here. I wish we had a few more students.” He emphasized the quality of the questions posed by attendees, characterizing the event as a positive first step for future forums.

While left-leaning and Democratic candidates were invited, including an email invitation sent to current Democratic Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, there was no response from him or his staff. Ruehmann clarified that the invitation went to Bennet’s campaign email, not his senatorial office, which is prohibited from engaging in campaign-related inquiries due to conflict of interest laws.

Attendees shared varied reactions to the event. Senior cellular and molecular biology and developmental biology double major Ashley McAllister appreciated the information presented but felt the questions did not provide a complete picture of each candidate. “I think they intentionally avoided the inflammatory questions...I’m going to have to do research to figure out who they are as people,” she remarked, highlighting a desire for more depth in understanding the candidates' morals and values.

McAllister also voiced disappointment regarding the lack of political diversity, stating that contrasting views from Democratic candidates would have enriched the discussion. “That whole panel was just like ‘I agree with what that guy said and with what that guy said,’” she noted.

Interestingly, candidate Joe Oltmann was initially not invited to the event. After an invitation was extended, it was rescinded following a negative social media encounter. Ruehmann explained, “He decided to attack us for not including him in the first place...Instead of taking that graciously, he decided to throw a fit on Facebook and call all of us traitors to the United States.”

The event was moderated by Branson Kaiser, President of Kappa Sigma, alongside College Republicans leaders Jess Clark Scott, Joshua Slofstra, and TPUSA Vice President Logan Jochim. Their questions allowed candidates to articulate their positions on key issues such as public safety, urban versus rural decision-making, and water concerns. Despite the predominately conservative slate, a range of ideals emerged.

In an opening statement, candidate Greg Lopez, who identifies as Independent, emphasized his commitment to “people over politics.” He articulated a platform focused on affordability for Colorado citizens, capping government spending, and returning power to the populace. “We don’t trust you with our money,” he declared, receiving cheers from the audience.

Several candidates underscored their Christian values, integrating them into their political philosophies. Bottoms, a Christian pastor, frequently referenced his faith, particularly in relation to his anti-abortion and anti-euthanasia stances. In a recent Facebook video, he expressed support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions and criticized state representatives who he claims incite violence against law enforcement.

Orms highlighted the need for enhanced cybersecurity, while Mikesell addressed land rights and ongoing water issues concerning the Colorado River. Kirkmeyer celebrated her successful tenure as a county commissioner, reporting achievements such as eliminating county debt. Evanston stressed constitutional adherence and Christian principles in his governance approach.

Senior student Jacob Trowbridge expressed gratitude for TPUSA's efforts in organizing the forum. He noted that few student organizations facilitate such political engagement, stating, “I think the best thing for our country is to really just start talking to one another.” While acknowledging TPUSA's imperfections, he appreciated their role in fostering dialogue among varied political perspectives.

As the race for the Colorado governorship heats up, forums like this one provide a platform for candidates to communicate their values and policies, and for voters to engage critically with potential leaders. While the turnout did not meet expectations, the engagement showcased the importance of discourse in democratic processes.