Candidate Profile: Cory Gardner, U.S. Senate

The 2020 election is heating up in Colorado and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of state representative, senate and judicial seats.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

Cory Gardner is running for U.S. Senate.

Age: 46
Party affiliation: Republican Party
Family: N/A
Occupation: N/A
Previous elected experience: United States Senator
Family members in government: N/A

The single most pressing issue facing our state is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We’re experiencing an economic crisis as a result of the coronavirus. Keeping people safe and getting Americans back to work must be our #1 priority. Prior to COVID-19, Colorado’s economy saw record job growth, wage increases, its lowest unemployment rate in history, and an outdoor recreation economy that employed 229,000 workers and added $11 billion to the economy annually. Working together, we can return to that economic climate and ensure that every Coloradan is safe and healthy.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

On every important issue, Governor Hickenlooper and I couldn’t be more different. For example, Hickenlooper favors an outright ban on gas and oil which would effectively eliminate several hundred thousand jobs in our state. Additionally, Governor Hickenlooper is the only Governor in Colorado’s history to have been found guilty of violating the state’s ethics laws by Colorado’s Independent Ethics Commission. Finally, Hickenlooper has demonstrated that he has little to no regard for Coloradans living outside of the I-25 corridor. During the past 6 years, I’ve passed meaningful legislation that has benefitted Coloradans everywhere. I’ll continue to be a Senator for all four corners of Colorado, not just Denver and Boulder.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I’m the best candidate for the job because I get things done. I’m the 3rd most bipartisan Senator and have been named the most effective member of the Colorado congressional delegation. Since 2015, I’ve had 11 bipartisan bills signed into law including legislation which secured funding for Aurora’s VA hospital and the Great American Outdoors Act - the most historic conservation bill to become law in more than 50 years. I work across party lines because the people of Colorado demand independent and focused leadership. I’ll continue to work tirelessly for all four corners of the Centennial State, regardless of zip code.

What steps should state government take to bolster economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic for local businesses?

As a United States Senator, I will continue to do everything I can at the federal level to ensure that individuals and small businesses are able to reel back from the economic fallout caused by the pandemic. At the federal level, we expanded unemployment insurance, provided billions to support small businesses and their employees, and delivered critical resources to support community services and the frontline workers keeping us safe. But more must be done. I believe that the federal government should pass additional measures to support those still unemployed, our small businesses that are fighting to make ends meet in this economic climate, and local governments in need of increased funding to mitigate the pandemic’s economic effects.

How will you address the calls for racial justice and police reform?

This debate has been avoided for too long in our country, and I’m dedicated to taking steps to ensure that men and women of color can feel safe and secure in America as we work towards justice and equality for all. Though our country has made significant strides in ensuring justice for all, recent events have reminded us all of the progress we must continue to work towards. I’m cosponsoring the JUSTICE Act because it would improve law enforcement transparency, accountability, and implement common sense reforms.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

In addition to helping our state rebound from the pandemic, conservation and the environment remain high priorities of mine. One of my landmark pieces of legislation was the American Competitiveness and Innovation Act, a piece of legislation that overhauls our nation’s science programs and benefits several science labs headquartered in Colorado. I’ve fought to ensure that our science agencies remain well funded so that they can study how to reverse the effects of climate change. In my fight for the environment, I’ve also made conservation a priority, that’s why I passed the Great American Outdoors Act. My Great American Outdoors Act, which was signed into law two months ago, fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund and fixes worn down infrastructure in our National Parks.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I’ve continually sought to find common ground with everyone, including people across the aisle. As the 3rd most bipartisan Senator, my willingness to work across the aisle has yielded real and tangible results that have benefited the people of Colorado. I’ve had 11 bipartisan bills signed into law during my first term in the Senate, five by President Obama and six by President Trump; more than the entire current Colorado delegation combined. I work across party lines because Colorado demands independent and focused leadership. As the only statewide elected official from rural Colorado, I understand what’s going on in the furthest reaches of our state, and I’ll continue to be a voice for Coloradans everywhere.