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Brycen Garrison
Brycen Garrison (Republican Party) is running for election for Governor of Colorado. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on June 30, 2026.[source]
Garrison completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Brycen Garrison was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. He earned a high school diploma from Pompton Lakes High School, a bachelor's degree from Colorado State University in 1997, an associate degree from Red Rocks Community College in 2008, and a graduate degree from Columbia Southern University in 2017. His career experience includes working as a firefighter.[1]
As of 2025, Garrison was affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- International Association of Fire Chiefs
- Colorado State Fire Chiefs Association
- Metro Fire Chiefs Association
- Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors
- Adams County Communication Center (ADCOM911) – Vice President, Board of Directors
- E911 Authority Board – Member
- Adams County Economic Development Commission – Board of Directors
- Foundation Academy School Board – Former Vice President (2017–2020)
Elections
2026
See also: Colorado gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on June 30, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.
General election for Governor of Colorado
The following candidates are running in the general election for Governor of Colorado on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Stephen Hamilton (American Constitution Party)  | |
| Kelsey Heikkinen (No Labels Party) | ||
 | Abass Yaya Bamba (No Labels Party) | |
| Shawn Bennett (Unaffiliated) | ||
 | Willow Collamer (Unaffiliated) | |
 | Charles Evanson (Unaffiliated) | |
 | Marla Fernandez (Unaffiliated) | |
| Justin Ganoe (Unaffiliated) | ||
 | Chante Jones (Unaffiliated) | |
| Marcus Marte (Unaffiliated) | ||
| Jarvis Ray (Unaffiliated) | ||
 | Bradley Wall (Unaffiliated) | |
| Matthew Yearous (Unaffiliated) | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Governor of Colorado
The following candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Governor of Colorado on June 30, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Michael Bennet | |
 | Carmen Broesder | |
 | David Hughes | |
 | Anthony Martinez | |
 | William Moses | |
| Daniel Thomas | ||
 | Phil Weiser | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Governor of Colorado
The following candidates are running in the Republican primary for Governor of Colorado on June 30, 2026.
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Robin Jones (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Brycen Garrison completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Garrison's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I believe leadership is about trust, service, and showing up when it matters most. From the fireground to the boardroom, I’ve earned respect not by command, but by caring deeply for the people I serve. I’ve developed statewide leadership programs, mentored future chiefs, and rebuilt organizational cultures around accountability, compassion, and continuous improvement.
After donating a kidney to my daughter during her battle with kidney failure, I learned that the most powerful kind of leadership begins at home—with love, sacrifice, and faith. That experience deepened my commitment to servant leadership and made me a fierce advocate for public health, mental wellness, and the strength of families.
I’m running for Governor of Colorado to bring that same heart, grit, and teamwork to the statehouse. I believe in making a difference every day, not someday—and I’m ready to help Colorado thrive by building an amazing future together.- 1. Servant Leadership Rooted in Action, Not Politics
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about responsibility. I’ve spent my life stepping up in moments that mattered. As Fire Chief of Brighton Fire Rescue, I’ve commanded life-or-death incidents, rebuilt teams from the ground up, and mentored future leaders across Colorado. I don’t lead from behind a desk—I lead from the front, with integrity, courage, and service.
When my daughter needed a kidney, I didn’t hesitate. I became her donor. That experience reminded me what true service really means: sacrifice, humility, and love. That’s the mindset I will bring to the Governor’s office.
Colorado deserves a Governor who doesn’t hide behind politics, but who leads with action—especially when thi - 2. Strong Communities Start with Freedom, Families, and Public Safety I believe government’s role is to empower—not control—its citizens. Freedom is the foundation of everything we value in Colorado. Whether it’s raising a family, building a business, practicing your faith, or protecting your property—freedom must be preserved. But freedom without security isn’t freedom at all. That’s why strong, safe communities will be at the heart of my administration. I will support law enforcement while also demanding accountability. I will defend the rights of responsible gun owners and prioritize mental health access and crisis response. And I will ensure that no Coloradan feels unsafe in their home, school, or neighborhood. Equally important: I wi
- 3. A Vision for Colorado that Balances Progress with Principle Colorado faces major challenges: water scarcity, housing affordability, transportation gridlock, crime, and economic uncertainty. Tackling these issues will require vision, discipline, and long-term planning—not short-term political gains. But we also need something deeper: a return to principle. Too often, our politics are driven by emotion and division. I believe we must return to common-sense leadership that honors our Constitution, respects the rule of law, and puts mission over ego. That means protecting the integrity of our institutions while empowering local communities to solve problems. It means respecting law enforcement, the judiciary, and the legislative process—no
I’m not a career politician. I’m a leader, a father, a firefighter, a kidney donor, and a lifelong public servant. I’ve faced emergencies that couldn’t wait, budgets that had to balance, and moments that demanded everything I had.
This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about you. It’s about creating a Colorado where small businesses can thrive, families can grow, public safety is restored, freedom is protected, and our future is secured through visionary leadership.
If you want a Governor who will serve, not spin—lead, not lecture—and build, not divide—then I’m ready to get to work.
He taught me that your word is your bond, that people matter more than appearances, and that when something needs doing, you roll up your sleeves and get to work—no excuses, no fanfare. He showed me how to be steady under pressure, how to care deeply without needing credit, and how to lead a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.
Everything I know about responsibility, humility, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard—started with watching him. His example has guided me as a husband, a father, a firefighter, and now as someone seeking to lead our state.
If you're more of a movie person, I’d also recommend watching “Remember the Titans.” It’s not a political film, but it’s a masterclass in leadership, culture change, and doing the right thing even when it’s hard. Plus, if Denzel Washington isn’t on your leadership reading list, you’re missing out.
And for those who want to dig deeper into the foundation of my views on service and leadership, the New Testament—especially the example of Jesus—has shaped how I see sacrifice, grace, and the idea that true leadership is always about others, not yourself.
But if you’re just looking for something quick?
Integrity means doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult, unpopular, or politically costly. It means honoring the law, respecting the Constitution, telling the truth, and following through on promises. Public trust is fragile—once it’s broken, it’s hard to repair. Leaders must protect it fiercely.
Courage is about standing up for your values, not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. Politicians often take the path of least resistance. Leaders take responsibility. I’ve made life-and-death decisions as a fire chief. I’ve donated a kidney to save my daughter’s life. I don’t back down when it matters.
Humility is essential because no leader has all the answers. The best elected officials ask questions, listen deeply, and are willing to admit when they’re wrong. I believe in servant leadership: putting people first, not ego.
Accountability means owning the outcome—good or bad. It means showing up, explaining your decisions, and making sure your actions align with your values and your words.
Finally, service must be the foundation of leadership. You should never run for office to be something—you should run to do something. That “something” should always serve the people.
As Fire Chief, I’ve led in high-pressure environments where every decision matters. I’ve commanded complex operations, managed multi-million-dollar public budgets, and built strong, resilient teams that thrive under pressure. I’ve made hard calls, owned the outcomes, and shown up when it mattered most—not just for the public, but for the people I’ve had the honor to lead.
I’m known for being decisive but collaborative, tough when necessary but always fair. I don’t just listen to people—I hear them. I believe in servant leadership, meaning I never ask something of others that I wouldn’t do myself. I hold myself accountable, follow through on my commitments, and believe trust is earned through action, not words.
I’m also grounded in real life—I’ve mowed lawns, raised a family, donated a kidney to my daughter, and spent my life serving others. That keeps me humble and focused on what truly matters.
A Governor must be a protector of rights—not a creator of burdens. That means defending the Constitution, preserving individual liberty, and pushing back against government overreach. People don’t need to be managed; they need to be empowered to thrive.
Second, the Governor must ensure public safety—not just through law enforcement, but by addressing the root causes of crime: mental health, addiction, homelessness, and community disinvestment. A safe state is a strong state, and that requires leadership that balances accountability with compassion.
Third, the Governor is the chief executive of the state. That means running a multi-billion-dollar organization with transparency, efficiency, and discipline. Budgets must balance. Regulations must serve—not hinder. Infrastructure must be maintained. Natural resources—especially water—must be protected for future generations.
Fourth, the Governor must uphold and enforce the law, not bend it for political convenience. We are a nation of laws, not of individuals. The Governor’s job is not to dictate personal agendas, but to execute the will of the people and defend the institutions that make democracy work.
Finally, the Governor must be a servant leader. That means listening to the people, representing every community—not just the loudest voices—and making decisions rooted in values, not vanity. It means showing up when it matters most.
I want people to say I was the kind of leader who led with heart, not ego—who made tough decisions when they needed to be made, stood up for what was right, and never forgot who he was doing it for. Whether I was in a firehouse or the Governor’s office, I always believed that leadership means taking care of the people in your charge—not seeking power, but carrying responsibility.
I want my legacy to include the leaders I helped develop, the organizations I left stronger than I found them, and the people I supported through moments they thought they couldn’t survive. I want my children to know I didn’t just talk about service—I lived it. I gave when it hurt. I told the truth. I finished what I started.
But the most defining historical moment of my early adulthood was September 11, 2001. I was 27, and like so many others, I’ll never forget where I was or how I felt. Watching those towers fall—and the firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens running toward danger—left a permanent mark on me. It sharpened my sense of duty, deepened my commitment to service, and reinforced my belief that leadership is about stepping up when it matters most.
Looking back, that little landscaping hustle taught me a lot about ownership, responsibility, and pride in hard work. Honestly, some of those lessons stuck with me longer than a few college lectures.
What inspires me most is the example of Jesus. He didn’t lead from a throne—He led from among the people. He healed the broken, stood up for the outcast, spoke truth to power, and laid down His life for others. That model of leadership—centered on love, service, and courage—has shaped how I approach everything from family to public life.
The New Testament reminds me that real strength is found in gentleness, real leadership is rooted in service, and true greatness comes from putting others before yourself. It’s a constant challenge—and a constant comfort. It keeps me grounded, reminds me why I’m here, and pushes me to be better every single day.
He’s not the loudest or flashiest guy in the room—he’s the one who stands his ground, protects his team, and does what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. He doesn’t chase power—he carries responsibility. That resonates with me.
Also, let’s be honest—if you’re going to deal with politics, global crises, and people arguing nonstop, having superhuman patience and a shield wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
It reminds me why I do what I do. It’s about sacrifice, pride, gratitude, and the belief that this country, despite all its challenges, is worth fighting for and believing in. And yes, I’ll admit it—if that song comes on at a community event or a 4th of July ceremony, I’m probably singing along whether anyone asked me to or not.
That experience taught me what true vulnerability and courage look like. It forced me to ask for help, to rely on others, and to lead from a place of love instead of strength. It changed the way I see leadership, fatherhood, and faith.
Through that struggle, I learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to feel scared. But what matters is what you do next—how you show up for the people who need you, even when you’re hurting yourself.
That starts with upholding the rule of law. We’re a state of rugged independence and strong values, and it’s essential that our laws are applied fairly, consistently, and without political gamesmanship. The Governor doesn’t get to pick and choose which laws to enforce—we are a nation of laws, not personalities.
Second, the Governor must ensure public safety and emergency readiness. Whether it’s wildfire season, water shortages, or rising crime, Coloradans expect steady, experienced leadership. As Fire Chief, I’ve spent my life managing crises, coordinating with multiple agencies, and showing up when people need help the most. That kind of hands-on, decisive leadership is exactly what this job demands.
Finally, the Governor must be the state’s top problem solver. That means cutting red tape so businesses can grow, making sure infrastructure keeps up with our population, protecting our water and land, and making state government more accountable to the people.
I’ve spent my career managing public budgets—where every dollar is taxpayer money and every line item matters. As Fire Chief, I’ve had to make hard choices between what’s ideal and what’s possible, all while staying accountable to both my team and the community I serve.
The Governor shouldn’t just approve the budget—they should help shape it, defend it, and explain it. That means working with the legislature, engaging the public, and holding departments accountable for both spending and outcomes.
Colorado needs a Governor who treats budgeting like leadership, not accounting. I believe in zero-based budgeting, performance-driven spending, and cutting what doesn’t serve the people. Every program should have to earn its keep.
The line-item veto is a tool, not a weapon. It exists to protect taxpayers from wasteful or irresponsible spending—not to score political points or punish opponents. I would use it when something in the budget clearly violates our priorities, undermines public trust, or fails to deliver value to the people of Colorado.
I’ve managed tight public budgets. I’ve had to tell great people “no” because we didn’t have unlimited funds. That’s what responsible leadership looks like: making hard choices, saying no when necessary, and being able to explain why.
If a budget item lacks transparency, serves a narrow interest instead of the public good, or was snuck in without accountability—I won’t hesitate to veto it. But I’ll also be clear and public about my reasoning, because people deserve to know what’s behind every decision.
I’ve led large, complex organizations where different teams brought different perspectives—and the best results always came when we stayed focused on a common mission. That’s exactly how the Governor and legislature should function. The Governor brings vision, accountability, and executive leadership. The legislature brings representation, debate, and detailed policymaking. We each have a lane—but we’re driving the same road.
I believe the Governor should lead with clarity, honesty, and humility. That means showing up, having real conversations, being willing to listen, and not taking disagreement personally. I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about solving problems, no matter what party they belong to.
That said, leadership also means standing firm when core values are at stake. I won’t compromise on freedom, fairness, or the rule of law—but I’ll always engage in good faith and give every idea a fair hearing.
Colorado is a place where you can live free, think big, and still find someone to help you shovel your driveway when the storm hits. It’s where family farms and small businesses sit alongside cutting-edge innovation. It’s where you can hike a peak in the morning and sit at a city council meeting that night. That balance—between progress and tradition, freedom and community—is something truly special.
This state shaped who I am. It’s where I raised my family. It’s where I led firefighters into danger and helped rebuild communities after tragedy. It’s where I gave my daughter a kidney and found hope in the hardest moment of my life.
First, housing affordability and infrastructure are reaching a breaking point. People who grew up here can’t afford to stay. Young families can’t get a foothold. Roads are jammed, water is stretched thin, and our growth is outpacing our planning. If we don’t act with vision and urgency, we risk becoming a state where only the wealthy can thrive.
Second, public safety and mental health must be addressed together. Crime, addiction, and homelessness aren’t just statistics—they’re signs of a system that’s failing real people. We need leadership that focuses on accountability and care. We can support law enforcement, hold people responsible, and still show compassion for those struggling. It’s not either-or—it’s both.
Third, restoring trust in government may be the toughest challenge of all. People are tired of spin, tired of being overtaxed, and tired of seeing decisions made behind closed doors. I believe the next decade must be about openness, responsibility, and restoring public confidence through action—not rhetoric.
And finally, we must protect what makes Colorado Colorado—our water, land, liberty, and way of life. That means planning for climate and wildfire resilience, investing in clean energy and agriculture, and ensuring local communities have a say in the future they want to build.
A code red for puns.
Why did the cop sit on the fire truck?
But here’s the key: emergency powers should never become a shortcut for normal governance. They’re not a blank check. They’re not an opportunity to sidestep the legislature, silence dissent, or extend executive control just because it’s more convenient. The longer emergency powers are used, the more accountability and oversight are required.
As a Fire Chief, I’ve led through actual emergencies—where time is short, people are scared, and decisions carry enormous weight. I understand what it means to act fast and answer for those actions. Authority without accountability isn’t leadership—it’s abuse.
I’m not building a campaign around endorsements—I’m building it around people. Real Coloradans. Families, firefighters, teachers, farmers, small business owners—folks who believe, like I do, that we need to get back to basics: accountability, freedom, and building a future we can be proud to hand off to the next generation.
As Fire Chief, I’ve run public budgets where every penny was scrutinized. I’ve had tough conversations in front of city councils, taxpayers, and team members who deserved honest answers. That’s not just good leadership—that’s basic respect for the people who put you in the position to lead.
When leaders hide behind jargon, legal loopholes, or political spin, they erode trust. I believe the best way to build public trust is to tell the truth, show the math, admit the hard parts, and be accountable when things go sideways. That’s what I’ve done my whole career—and it’s what I’ll do as Governor.
For instance, in 2024, a significant number of ballot initiatives were proposed, including measures on property tax caps and ranked-choice voting. Some of these initiatives, such as the property tax measures, were withdrawn after legislative compromises were reached, highlighting the dynamic interplay between citizen initiatives and legislative action.
ballotpedia.org
Additionally, the introduction of ranked-choice voting faced hurdles when a new law required it to be tested at the municipal level before statewide implementation, potentially delaying its adoption until at least 2028.
apnews.com
These instances underscore the need for clarity and efficiency in the initiative process. While I oppose measures that would unduly restrict citizen participation, I support efforts to streamline the process, reduce redundancy, and ensure that initiatives are presented clearly to voters.
It means when something goes wrong, you don’t blame others—you own it. When things go right, you give credit to the team. And when the people are struggling, you don’t hide in a press release—you show up.
I’ve lived this mindset my whole career. As Fire Chief, when the tones drop, the weather’s bad, or someone else’s worst day becomes our first priority, there’s no hiding at the top. People look to you for answers, for calm, for clarity—and for leadership rooted in action, not politics.
Being Governor means setting the tone for the entire state. It means leading with vision and values, managing budgets and agencies with discipline, and keeping the wheels of government turning while never forgetting who it exists to serve: the people.
It also means knowing that you’ll be judged not just by the policies you pass, but by the trust you build, the values you defend, and how you show up in the hard moments.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Footnotes
