Cory Applegate (Colorado)
From Ballotpedia
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Tenure
2025 - Present
Term ends
2029
Years in position
0
Predecessor
Cory Applegate (Republican Party) is a member of the El Paso County Commission in Colorado, representing District 4. He assumed office on January 14, 2025. His current term ends on January 9, 2029.
Applegate (Republican Party) ran for election to the El Paso County Commission to represent District 4 in Colorado. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Applegate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Cory Applegate was born in Templeton, California. Applegate's career experience includes working as an electrician. He earned an associate degree from Pikes Peak State College in 2012. Applegate has been affiliated with IBEW 113.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Municipal elections in El Paso County, Colorado (2024)
General election
General election for El Paso County Commission District 4
Cory Applegate defeated Detra Duncan and Luis Ybarra Jr. in the general election for El Paso County Commission District 4 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Cory Applegate (R)  | 54.5 | 29,431 |
 | Detra Duncan (D) | 36.2 | 19,555 | |
| Luis Ybarra Jr. (Unaffiliated) | 9.3 | 5,002 | ||
| Total votes: 53,988 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for El Paso County Commission District 4
Detra Duncan advanced from the Democratic primary for El Paso County Commission District 4 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Detra Duncan | 100.0 | 5,183 |
| Total votes: 5,183 | |||
| = 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 El Paso County Commission District 4
Cory Applegate defeated Brenda Delgado Miller and Raymond Garcia in the Republican primary for El Paso County Commission District 4 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Cory Applegate | 50.9 | 5,394 |
| Brenda Delgado Miller | 34.5 | 3,654 | ||
 | Raymond Garcia | 14.6 | 1,547 | |
| Total votes: 10,595 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Applegate in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Cory Applegate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Applegate's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My name is Cory Applegate. I’ve been proud to call the Fountain, Colorado area home for all my adult life. My roots here reflect the hard work, strong values, and community spirit that make this region so special. As a journeyman electrician, I’ve worked to build a future we can all be proud of. I also serve on the Fountain City Council, where I focus on practical, common-sense solutions that address the needs of our local residents.
My time in construction has taught me the importance of practical, cost-effective solutions, and I bring that mindset to public service every day. I’m committed to defending our community’s unique character and making sure that decisions affecting our lives are made by those who know and understand us. Whether it’s protecting property rights, improving infrastructure, or ensuring public safety, I’m dedicated to making sure that the voices of El Paso County residents are heard and respected.
- Responsible Growth: I’m focused on promoting better jobs and lower costs for families. With responsible fiscal policy and fewer burdensome regulations, we can create more opportunities for everyone.
- Public Safety: I support our law enforcement officers and first responders wholeheartedly. Protecting our neighborhoods is a top priority for all aspects of a prosperous civic life. I believe in strong immigration enforcement that makes up the difference where our state and federal governments have dropped the ball—it’s critical for keeping our community safe.
- Improving Infrastructure for Economic Opportunity: Better roads, transportation, and utilities are essential for growing our economy and attracting new businesses. I’m committed to smart, efficient infrastructure investments that support economic growth.
I believe that strong public policy solutions come from first seeking to understand the root causes of challenges. Collaborative problem-solving and productive dialogue are key to creating lasting, meaningful results that serve our community comprehensively and fairly. In all my work, I emphasize the importance of respecting property rights and maintaining trusted institutions.
I believe in government that’s limited but effective, ensuring that decisions are made closest to the people they affect. By focusing on the principles of controlled, efficient government, we can create policies that empower ordinary people to thrive rather than bureaucracies. We should always seek to foster personal responsibility and protect individual freedoms.
I believe in government that’s limited but effective, ensuring that decisions are made closest to the people they affect. By focusing on the principles of controlled, efficient government, we can create policies that empower ordinary people to thrive rather than bureaucracies. We should always seek to foster personal responsibility and protect individual freedoms.
I look up to my father, Richard Applegate. He taught me the difference between right and wrong and showed me what it means to be dependable. My dad was always there for the people who needed him, whether it was family, friends, or members of the community. His example of hard work, honesty, and commitment to doing the right thing has always stuck with me, and it’s what I strive to live by every day.
Anyone who would like to understand my approach to politics would be well served to start with the Bible and the U.S. Constitution. Both provide a solid framework for how good people can build strong communities and solve common problems fairly. The Bible teaches us values like integrity, stewardship, and service to others, while the Constitution lays out the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility. Together, they offer timeless wisdom for governing ourselves in a way that respects freedom and encourages the best in people.
Personal integrity is foundational for any good leader. Elected officials must be honest, transparent, and committed to doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult. I also believe in a proactive approach to problem-solving. Leaders need to seek solutions and take action before problems grow. Lastly, servant leadership is key. An elected official is there to serve the community, not special interests. We must always listen and work in the best interest of the people.
I have to refer to the years I’ve spent working as a journeyman electrician alongside people from all walks of life. As I’ve gained proficiency in my craft and in leadership of projects, I’ve built a deep understanding of hard work and practical problem-solving. My career has also taught me to always be eager to learn and grow. I’ve been fortunate, as a leader and policymaker, to experience many new ideas, people, and experiences. It’s made me a believer in the power of openness, which, combined with a desire to serve my community, will help me bring practical, thoughtful solutions to this office.
The core responsibility of a County Commissioner is to protect the rights and resources of constituents by ensuring that essential services are executed proficiently. Beyond that, I believe government should defer to private citizens’ own capabilities as much as possible. I will work to remove unnecessary red tape, lower regulatory burdens, and keep taxes low, so people can keep more of their hard-earned money and precious time. My main objective is to leverage our taxpayer dollars as efficiently as possible into the freedom and opportunity that help our community thrive.
I want my work to result in better policy—policy that makes this community prosper not only materially, but also spiritually and culturally. I hope to see my constituents gain the opportunity to look more often beyond immediate needs and recognize the value of civic involvement and service to their neighbors. And when I leave office, I hope I’ve helped many young leaders be ready to continue in service to their neighbors. I hope my example will illustrate the importance of contributing to our community through a thriving local economy and an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect.
The first historical event I remember recognizing as such would be the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. I was almost 10 years old at the time. It was a moment that shaped my early understanding of history, public service, and the risks people face to protect others. Seeing such momentous expressions of bravery, compassion, and courage in the face of danger inspired me to think about what it means to be a responsible adult and a leader.
I worked as a caddy at The Broadmoor for three summers as a teenager. I carried the bags for two former Denver Broncos quarterbacks. That was exciting to me as a kid, but what stands out most to me today was their kindness and humility. We should all remember that no matter how successful we may become, treating people with respect and staying grounded are what really matter.
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. It’s still there. That bass line is impossible to forget and always gets me pumped up.
If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings. He’s a strong, humble leader who faces great challenges while staying true to his values. What I admire most is his bravery in standing up against forces far more powerful than himself—whether it’s the dark armies of Sauron or the weight of his own destiny. Aragorn shows that true leadership isn’t merely about power. It’s about having the courage to do what’s right, no matter the odds or consequences
“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. It’s still there. That bass line is impossible to forget and always gets me pumped up.
One of my biggest struggles has been with my time. As it is for all of us, it’s been an (occasionally imperfect) practice to get the most out of my time. I have to balance competing desires to grow professionally, serve my community, and spend meaningful time with my family. Each of these areas is important to me, but it’s a challenge to keep them all in balance. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to prioritize what matters most in each season of life and make the best decisions I can with the time I have.
What do you call someone who isn’t a dad but tells dad jokes?
A “faux Pa.”
A “faux Pa.”
The Pikes Peak firearms coalition, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, Teamsters local 455. Colorado federation of Young Republicans.
I would work proactively with the County Financial Services Department and the County Attorney to ensure that all departments are meeting or exceeding best practices for financial transparency and accountability. By addressing potential issues on a systematic basis, we can avoid bigger problems down the road.
Additionally, I’d pursue a public engagement strategy that keeps constituents regularly informed about the county’s financial successes and challenges. It’s important to maintain an open dialogue with residents, so they feel confident their tax dollars are being managed responsibly.
Additionally, I’d pursue a public engagement strategy that keeps constituents regularly informed about the county’s financial successes and challenges. It’s important to maintain an open dialogue with residents, so they feel confident their tax dollars are being managed responsibly.
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.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024
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