Cory Applegate (Colorado)

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

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

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 53,988
= candidate completed 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

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,183
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
	Submit photo	Brenda Delgado Miller	34.5	3,654
		Raymond Garcia	14.6	1,547

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,595
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Applegate in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

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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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

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.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

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.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

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.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

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.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

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.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

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.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

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.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected 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.

What legacy would you like to leave?

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.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

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.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

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.

What is your favorite book? Why?

“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 you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

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

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. It’s still there. That bass line is impossible to forget and always gets me pumped up.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

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.

Tell us your favorite joke.

What do you call someone who isn’t a dad but tells dad jokes?
A “faux Pa.”

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Pikes Peak firearms coalition, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, Teamsters local 455. Colorado federation of Young Republicans.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

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.

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.

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Candidate

El Paso County Commission District 4

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 8, 2024

[1]

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Cory Applegate (Colorado)

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for El Paso County Commission District 4

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for El Paso County Commission District 4

Republican primary election

Republican primary for El Paso County Commission District 4

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

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