Gonzalez Wins Colorado Secretary of State Race in Lakewood Concession

Amanda Gonzalez is set to become Colorado’s next Secretary of State after defeating Republican James Wiley. The Associated Press called the race for Gonzalez on Tuesday night as the office of the state’s top election official changed hands.

Gonzalez held a 61 percent to 36 percent lead over Wiley when 73 percent of the votes had been tallied. Wiley, a political consultant from Colorado Springs, conceded the election at the Colorado Republican Party gathering in Lakewood.

The position is being vacated by Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who won her own race for Attorney General earlier in the evening. Griswold’s move up to the Attorney General seat opened the Secretary of State race for new candidates.

Wiley campaigned on a platform that included shifting the state away from universal mail ballots. He argued for a system that relied primarily on in-person voting. During a past interview with Colorado Public Radio, Wiley stated, “I support the use of mail-in ballots with the absentee ballot system. Universal mail-in voting, unfortunately, breaks apart communities.”

Gonzalez brings a legal and academic background to the role. She has worked as an attorney, executive director, and adjunct professor. She was also elected as Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder in 2022.

The race took place against a backdrop of ongoing debate over election methods in the state and the country. Gonzalez will now assume control of the office that oversees statewide elections.