Stevan Gess

Stevan Gess

Republican Party

Candidate, Governor of Colorado

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 3, 2026

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Army

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Twitter

Stevan Gess (Republican Party) is running for election for Governor of Colorado. He declared candidacy for the general election scheduled on November 3, 2026.^[source]

Gess completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Stevan Gess served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from DePaul University.

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
		Michael Bennet (D)
		William Moses (D)
	Submit photo	Daniel Thomas (D)
		Phil Weiser (D)
		Mark Baisley (R)
		Scott Bottoms (R)
	Submit photo	Bob Brinkerhoff (R)
		Jason Ray Clark (R)
		Brycen Garrison (R)
		Stevan Gess (R)
	Submit photo	Jon Gray-Ginsberg (R)
		Joshua Griffin (R)
		Greg Lopez (R)
		Rabin Mahanty (R)
		Will McBride (R)
	Submit photo	Jason Mikesell (R)
		Robert Moore (R)
		Alex Mugatu (R)
	Submit photo	Katie Pierce (R)
		Jim Rundberg (R)
		Stephen Hamilton (American Constitution Party)
	Submit photo	Kelsey Heikkinen (No Labels Party)
		Abass Yaya Bamba (No Labels Party)
	Submit photo	Shawn Bennett (Unaffiliated)
	Submit photo	Willow Collamer (Unaffiliated)
		Charles Evanson (Unaffiliated)
		Marla Fernandez (Unaffiliated)
	Submit photo	Justin Ganoe (Unaffiliated)
		Chante Jones (Unaffiliated)
	Submit photo	Marcus Marte (Unaffiliated)
	Submit photo	Jarvis Ray (Unaffiliated)
		Bradley Wall (Unaffiliated)
	Submit photo	Matthew Yearous (Unaffiliated)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Robin Jones (R)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Colorado

David Hughes is running in the Democratic primary for Governor of Colorado on June 30, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	David Hughes

---

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= 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

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Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Stevan Gess completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Gess' 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.

Stevan Gess is a seasoned leader, dedicated public servant, and proud United States Military Veteran who is running as a Republican Candidate for Governor of Colorado. As a former Non-Commissioned Officer in the United States Army, having served in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Stevan developed a strong sense of duty and commitment to service. After his military service and time stationed in Colorado and abroad, Stevan pursued higher education with a clear focus on equipping himself for leadership in both the public and private sectors. He earned an undergraduate degree in Business from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, where he honed his skills in business management and economic strategy. He continued his education at the DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, with a focus in Supply Chain Management. This academic foundation, along with decades of leadership experience, has empowered Stevan to translate efficient and effective strategies into real-world results, skills he plans to apply in governing the great state of Colorado. As a gubernatorial candidate, Stevan is focused on strengthening Colorado’s economy, improving infrastructure, supporting veterans, and ensuring that Colorado remains a beacon of opportunity and prosperity for generations to come. His vision for the state is built on the principles of fiscal responsibility, individual freedom, and unwavering support for families, small businesses, and local communities.

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?

• The Gess for Governor Campaign is dedicated to addressing Colorado’s unique challenges and harnessing opportunities through three key pillars: protecting our people, protecting our freedoms, and protecting our land. The Campaign is committed to advocating for tax incentives that stimulate investment and innovation, while also enhancing workforce development programs to ensure residents have the skills needed for high-demand jobs. By focusing on these strategies, the Gess for Governor Campaign aims to foster a resilient economy that benefits all Coloradans and promotes sustainable growth for our communities.
• The Gess for Governor Campaign is dedicated to enhancing personal freedoms through clear and effective policies. His Campaign will aim to implement strict immigration policies that prioritize the safety and security of Colorado residents, ensuring that our borders are secure while addressing the complexities of illegal immigration. Additionally, uphold and strengthen Second Amendment rights by promoting responsible gun ownership and enforcing laws that protect public safety without infringing on individual liberties. Adequate funding for State and local law enforcement is essential for maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law, while ensuring that individual freedoms are respected and protected.
• The Gess for Governor Campaign advocates for policy that promote sustainable land use and conservation efforts, ensuring that our natural resources and landscapes are preserved for future generations. This includes supporting responsible resource management, enforcing regulations to protect our water sources, wildlife habitats, and open spaces while promoting outdoor recreation and tourism. By fostering collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, we can create a balanced approach that respects both economic development and environmental stewardship.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As your Republican candidate for Governor of Colorado, Stevan Gess is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Coloradans while upholding the liberties that define our great state. He believes in empowering communities, safeguarding individual rights, and preserving the natural beauty and resources that make Colorado unique. By championing these principles, the Gess for Governor Campaign aims to promote sustainable stewardship of our environment, fostering a thriving and resilient Colorado for generations to come.

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

As Candidate for Governor of Colorado, Stevan Gess believes that certain individual characteristics are essential for a successful Governing, and he embodies these traits as a candidate. Strong leadership skills are at the forefront; he understands that inspiring and uniting diverse communities across the state is crucial for effective governance.

Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor and integrity are the foundation of his leadership and cornerstone of his candidacy. Stevan knows that transparency and accountability are paramount in public office, and his commitment to ethical governance ensures that the interests of the people will always come first. A deep understanding of the complexities of state governance is also vital. Stevan's analytical skills enable him to navigate intricate policy issues and make informed decisions that reflect community needs, particularly in areas like economic development, education, and public safety.

Empathy is equally important to Stevan. He recognizes that understanding the diverse experiences of Coloradans allows him to craft inclusive policies that resonate with all communities. Stevan believes that resilience and adaptability are critical in facing the unexpected challenges of the Governor's role. Whether responding to a crisis or adapting to changing circumstances, his focus and proactive mindset ensure that Colorado is well-prepared for whatever lies ahead.

Together, these characteristics are paramount to the Gess for Governor Campaign vision for effective governance. Stevan is committed to leading Colorado into a prosperous future, where every resident feels valued, protected, and empowered.

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

Stevan's journey began with a profound commitment to serving his country when he enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 years old. This decision instilled in him values of discipline, responsibility, and leadership that would shape his future. His service took him to Afghanistan, where he faced the challenges and realities of the global war on terrorism.

By the age of just 20 years old, Stevan earned the rank of non-commissioned officer, a testament to his dedication and leadership capability. Stevan was stationed in Fort Carson Colorado, where he developed a deep appreciation for the state and its people. His military background instilled in him a strong sense of duty to serve his fellow Coloradans, motivating him to pursue a path in public service.

Stevan’s early experiences in the Military laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors. His commitment to protecting and empowering the people of Colorado stems from his belief in service above self, and he carries these values with him as he seeks to lead the state as Governor.

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

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Candidate

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Footnotes

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