October 30, 2025 11:39 AM UTC

State Legislator Won’t Run For Final Term, Calls Opponent a Liar While Endorsing New Candidate

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• by: Erik Maulbetsch

(The drama llama strikes the House GOP mini-minority once again — Promoted by Colorado Pols)

Originally posted at the Colorado Times Recorder

However she also said she isn’t done with public service yet, teasing perhaps a future campaign.

“In this critical season of our family’s life, I cannot give them the attention they deserve while also attending to the important obligations of governance,” said Luck. “I will, therefore, not be seeking re-election in November 2026. That does not mean I am stepping out of the public fight entirely. In the days to come, I will be sharing about the door the LORD has opened for me to have a continued – if not greater – influence on governance in Colorado.”

Luck’s announcement ended speculation about her future in the General Assembly, but it does not settle the Republican primary for her district. Luck declined to endorse Pueblo GOP Chair Michelle Gray, who declared her intention to run for Luck’s seat in July.

“I will not be able to support Michelle Gray for HD60,” said Luck. “Over the last few months, she has demonstrated a willingness to operate in lies and half-truths; has failed to uphold foundational principles that inform our political philosophy and party platform; and otherwise revealed herself to be ill-equipped for such an important responsibility.”

Reached for comment, Gray offered the following statement: “I respect Rep. Luck’s service. I assumed she’d have some personal feelings about me pushing her out of the race, but I had no idea she’d go so low. Yet another example as to why she’s been largely ineffective in the Legislature. I wish her the best, but she knew her time was up.”

Luck instead threw her support behind landscaper and Canon City Re-1 School Board member Matt Alexander, who announced his candidacy at the same meeting.

Gray said that while she doesn’t know Alexander personally, she shook his hand at the meeting and welcomes a healthy primary.

“Mr. Alexander has a clean slate with me,” said Gray. “I hold none of Stephanie’s derogatory nonsense against him. I look forward to a healthy primary. Conservative values and patriotism, with a desire to have statewide impact from a safe seat is what I bring to the table. To date, as Stephanie saw, my message is resonating.”

Reached via phone, Alexander confirmed that he announced his HD60 candidacy last night and that he intends to file campaign paperwork with the state in the next couple of days.

In an emailed statement, Alexander, who notes that he is a fourth-generation Coloradan and local entrepreneur, explained his reason for running for office.

”My campaign is centered on putting my fellow Coloradoans first,” wrote Alexander. “I will strive to restore family values, fiscal discipline, work to reduce government overreach, and empower Colorado families and small businesses, so they can live free in what I believe is the most amazing state, the state I LOVE to call home, Colorado.”

Luck’s announcement came as part of a prepared speech in which she framed both her decision and the upcoming HD60 primary race as analogous to larger political divisions.

“Over the last few months, Colorado’s House District 60 has been the topic of conversation in prayer circles and political meetings, social media posts, and private texts,” said Luck. “Indeed, it has been the fodder for much discussion across the state – some of it valuable debate, some of it little more than gossip.

“The debate has centered around the actions of a County Party Chair positioning herself to primary an incumbent with conservative bona fides. This regional issue has risen to the level of statewide concern because it serves as a proxy battle for the larger war plaguing not only the Republican Party but the body politic at large.”

Luck went on to share her thoughts on the role of government, framing it exclusively in terms of law enforcement: “Government is to be a referee, not a player in the game. It is there to discipline, should your daughter be raped (criminal law); secure reimbursement if your tenant fails to pay rent (contract law); demand damages if your doctor negligently harms your son (tort law); etc.”

She also lamented what she sees as her party’s shift towards centrism, noting that from her perspective, “The Big Tent does not seem to be growing so much as moving further to the left. Those who used to squarely fit under the center pole now find themselves almost completely pushed out from under it.”

Luck did not respond to email and voicemail inquiries as to which other public office she may decide to seek. This article will be updated with any response received.

Fremont County Clerk Justin Grantham also attended last night’s central committee meeting and confirmed both Luck’s and Alexander’s announcements. He noted that from his perspectrice as clerk, he is encouraged by multiple people announcing for a race as it typically improves voter turnout.

“I encourage a positive, clean, and respectful campaign between anybody running in HD60, and I wish all candidates the best,” said Grantham.