Weiser selects Dahlkemper running mate Colorado

Colorado Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser has chosen Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper as his running mate, signaling a partnership aimed at bringing local-government experience to the ticket. Dahlkemper, serving a second term on the county commission, has a background in journalism and public service, including leadership roles on the Jefferson County School Board and involvement in projects to distribute opioid-crisis funding. Weiser’s campaign highlights Dahlkemper’s work on eliminating the county’s TABOR revenue cap and investing in infrastructure, public safety, and wildfire risk reduction. The selection is framed by Weiser as ensuring a governorship that includes a seat at the table for local governments and capable succession for Colorado. Opponents Victor Marx and Jeff Peckman had not announced running mates as of mid-July, with Dahlkemper’s announcement taking place at the Democratic Party headquarters in Denver. Dahlkemper’s background in communications and public service is presented as a fit for the administration’s goals, according to Weiser’s campaign materials.