Ryan Lucas

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Ryan Lucas

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

Bryant High School

Bachelor's

Lake Forest College, 2006

Personal

Birthplace

New York

Profession

Self Employed

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign YouTube

Ryan Lucas (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Colorado State Senate to represent District 10. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Lucas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Ryan Lucas was born in Amherst, New York. He graduated from Bryant High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Lake Forest College in 2006. His career experience includes being self-employed and working as a chief information officer.

Elections

2024

See also: Colorado State Senate elections, 2024

General election

General election for Colorado State Senate District 10

Incumbent Larry Liston defeated Ryan Lucas and John Hjershman in the general election for Colorado State Senate District 10 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Larry Liston (R)	57.1	49,886
		Ryan Lucas (D)	39.3	34,352
	Submit photo	John Hjershman (L)	3.7	3,198

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 87,436
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Colorado State Senate District 10

Incumbent Larry Liston defeated David Stiver and Rex Tonkins in the Republican primary for Colorado State Senate District 10 on June 25, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Larry Liston	60.7	12,478
		David Stiver	22.1	4,538
	Submit photo	Rex Tonkins	17.2	3,535

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,551
= 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 Lucas in this election.

2022

See also: Municipal elections in El Paso County, Colorado (2022)

General election

General election for El Paso County Commission District 1

Incumbent Holly Williams defeated Ryan Lucas in the general election for El Paso County Commission District 1 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Holly Williams (R)	68.2	48,031
		Ryan Lucas (D)	31.8	22,442

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 70,473
= 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 El Paso County Commission District 1

Ryan Lucas advanced from the Democratic primary for El Paso County Commission District 1 on June 28, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ryan Lucas	100.0	8,501

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,501
= 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 1

Incumbent Holly Williams defeated Lindsay Moore in the Republican primary for El Paso County Commission District 1 on June 28, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Holly Williams	61.6	17,303
		Lindsay Moore	38.4	10,766

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 28,069
= 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.

2020

See also: Colorado's 5th Congressional District election, 2020

Colorado's 5th Congressional District election, 2020 (June 30 Republican primary)

Colorado's 5th Congressional District election, 2020 (June 30 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Colorado District 5

Incumbent Doug Lamborn defeated Jillian Freeland, Ed Duffett, Marcus Murphy, and Rebecca Keltie in the general election for U.S. House Colorado District 5 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Doug Lamborn (R)	57.6	249,013
		Jillian Freeland (D)	37.4	161,600
		Ed Duffett (L)	3.4	14,777
		Marcus Murphy (Independent)	0.9	3,708
		Rebecca Keltie (Unity Party)	0.8	3,309

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 432,407
= 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

• Doug Lunde (L)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Colorado District 5

Jillian Freeland advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Colorado District 5 on June 30, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jillian Freeland	100.0	76,033

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 76,033
= 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

• Brandon Bocchino (D)
• Ryan Lucas (D)
• George English (D)
• Brian Ebinger (D)
• Mario Sanchez (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Colorado District 5

Incumbent Doug Lamborn advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Colorado District 5 on June 30, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Doug Lamborn	100.0	104,302

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 104,302
= 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.

Libertarian convention

Libertarian convention for U.S. House Colorado District 5

Doug Lunde advanced from the Libertarian convention for U.S. House Colorado District 5 on April 13, 2020.

		Candidate
✔	Submit photo	Doug Lunde (L)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.
= 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.

Unity Party convention

Unity Party convention for U.S. House Colorado District 5

Rebecca Keltie advanced from the Unity Party convention for U.S. House Colorado District 5 on April 4, 2020.

		Candidate
✔		Rebecca Keltie (Unity Party)

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source
= 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.

Libertarian convention

Doug Lunde advanced from the Libertarian convention on April 13, 2020. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Unity Party primary convention

Rebecca Keltie advanced from the Unity Party primary convention on April 4, 2020. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Ryan Lucas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lucas' 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.

I am running for office for the third time out of Colorado Springs, now in the third layer of government. Each time I've run (Congress, County Commission, and now State Senate) has never been about winning, but about providing the opportunity for people in a changing district to see in a candidate the future they hope for in terms of a representative. I grew up in a conservative family and have no qualms about meeting people where they are having the tough conversations about where our country/state/county/city is headed. I welcome all constructive conversations about doing the right thing.

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?

• Fix our misguided policies around the economy by unleashing our prosperity through improved contentment with our everyday lives.
• As a Democrat, I bet I can run to the right of you on at least one issue.
• Electoral politics is inherently flawed to elect people that are not actively dealing with many of the issues of constituents. The annual salary of a Senator in Colorado is under $50k for a roughly 4 month "gig" and yet to take on the roll requires either being unemployed or having employment that allows one the flexibility to work those 4 months. Does that sound like you or your neighbor?

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, Information Technology, and our lack of understanding of either keep me up at night.

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

So. Many. People. I look up to people for what they contribute to society. But, if I'm being honest, I long-ago stopped trying to find examples of other people to follow and focused on how I do the most right thing every day and in every way. I don't "look up to people" any more but more aspire to achieve the outcomes that I see in others - and how others perceive and experience them.

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

Cloud Atlas - besides being my favorite movie and book (independently) I think it sums up my political philosophy quite nicely too.

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

Transparency, Legitimacy, and Candor

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

I'm not afraid of any fight.

I truly appreciate discussing issues that are uncomfortable and rally against the idea that you don't discuss "politics, money..."

I actually want to help - everyone. I'm very good at finding consensus.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I was an Eagle Scout - and before that I was a boy scout for over a decade. I think the core responsibility of every citizen starts with trustworthy, loyal, helpful. I expect that as a minimum. Beyond that, I expect the core responsibility to be to beholden to their constituents - Loyal to them, if you will.

What legacy would you like to leave?

When I first ran for office, I told a story about how my youngest, at the time was 8 I think, really wanted to stop using plastic straws because of the damage that it did to turtles. I told them at the time I would do what I could to make that a reality. I ran for office the first time because there were back-to-back shootings in Ohio and Texas and I couldn't stand by any longer while my wife grieved the loss of humans.

A legacy? I want someone to say "he did everything he could to make things better for us."

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

9-11. I was a high-school Junior.

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

I was a paperboy for my Aunt/Uncle's Gazette job. First 'real' W-2 job was at Wendy's. I think I worked there on and off for 3 years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

'Cloud Atlas' or 'House of Leaves'

House of Leaves was an experience to read, but Cloud Atlas is an experience to live and I think I've made it so central to my core that I find myself quoting it regularly.

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

Dagny Taggart from 'Atlas Shrugged.' I think she likely could have used a little bit more agency and self-efficacy.

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

"Lonely Day" by System of a Down is in my head right now.

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

I grew up without a father for most of my latter childhood and helped my mom raise 3 kids. I "dad" people too much.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The Governor should be an executive that faithfully executes the laws as are established by the legislature and confirmed by the judicial.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The need for environmental policy changes compared to the economic powerhouse that is the Oil and Gas industry. Both are very important for Colorado and a balance between them must be struck that honors both.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Beneficial? Sure! I have years of experience helping elect candidates up and down the ballot and pushing legislative lobbying around a host of issues. This allows me to understand issues from many perspectives. I started my career out of college researching policy implications on populations while also writing political hit-pieces. Is it helpful, sure. But it's certainly not necessary.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

100% and will be my first goal after election day. I'm a consensus candidate meaning that I intended to work with my constituents to find common ground on supporting legislation that we can agree on. That said, no legislation gets through on one vote.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Kucinich, possibly. That would be Federal, but I think it still applies. A left-leaning elected that was popular in a red district. Kucinich.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No

Tell us your favorite joke.

I didn't know I was a master of "dad jokes" until I became a step dad but I've got so many good ones that as an IT professional, my wife got me a "I keep my dad jokes in a dad-a-base" shirt. That should tell you something.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Of course they have to oversee the use of emergency funds, but there are many functions that a seasonal legislature like Colorado has cannot reasonably do. Generally, my answer is no.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I have a number of policy proposals I would like to achieve out of the gate including public transportation, housing, and Artificial Intelligence bills. I will reserve this answer based on discussions once elected as to what is reasonable to pass.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Working Families Party

What committees interest you?

Given the lack of accountability in the federal government right now for Veterans, State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs is interesting. But, given my vast experience in startups, healthcare, and Information Technology along with Private Equity, I'd say Business Affairs is the obvious choice.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

They are innately intertwined and also require some level of simplicity - something that I think TABOR inherently ruins for residents in Colorado.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

Our ballots are long, right? They seem to be getting longer. Yes, I'd like to see the State Legislature be less hamstrung by ballot initiatives for one.

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.

2022

Ryan Lucas completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Lucas' 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.

I'm a step-parent to two kids split across two different school districts. I'm a native of nowhere and a former resident of AR, NY, IL, and came to Colorado in '08. I'm a listener and a solution-finder.

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?

• I'm here to listen.
• I'm here to represent.
• I'm also a Democrat.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public transit. Public Health. Public financing of elections. Transparency of public office.

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.

2020

Ryan Lucas did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Ryan Lucas campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Colorado State Senate District 10	Lost general	$1,004	$1,004
2020	U.S. House Colorado District 5	Withdrew primary	$12,510	$12,510
Grand total			$13,514	$13,514
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also

2024 Elections

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Newsletters

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External links

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Candidate

Colorado State Senate District 10

Website

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Footnotes

[show]

Current members of the Colorado State Senate

Leadership

Senate President:James Coleman

Majority Leader:Robert Rodriguez

Minority Leader:Cleave Simpson

Senators

District 1

Byron Pelton (R)

District 2

Lisa Frizell (R)

District 3

Nick Hinrichsen (D)

District 4

Mark Baisley (R)

District 5

Marc Catlin (R)

District 6

Cleave Simpson (R)

District 7

Janice Rich (R)

District 8

Dylan Roberts (D)

District 9

Lynda Zamora Wilson (R)

District 10

Larry Liston (R)

District 11

Thomas Exum (D)

District 12

Marc Snyder (D)

District 13

Scott Bright (R)

District 14

Cathy Kipp (D)

District 15

Janice Marchman (D)

District 16

Chris Kolker (D)

District 17

Katie Wallace (D)

District 18

Judy Amabile (D)

District 19

Lindsey Daugherty (D)

District 20

Lisa Cutter (D)

District 21

Dafna Jenet (D)

District 22

Jessie Danielson (D)

District 23

Barbara Kirkmeyer (R)

District 24

Kyle Mullica (D)

District 25

Faith Winter (D)

District 26

Jeff Bridges (D)

District 27

Tom Sullivan (D)

District 28

Mike Weissman (D)

District 29

Iman Jodeh (D)

District 30

John Carson (R)

District 31

Matt Ball (D)

District 32

Robert Rodriguez (D)

District 33

James Coleman (D)

District 34

Julie Gonzales (D)

District 35

Rod Pelton (R)

Democratic Party (23)

Republican Party (12)