Representative Scott Bottoms, a Colorado Springs Republican and church pastor, has formally entered the 2026 Colorado gubernatorial race with a bold promise to “save” the state from what he perceives as mismanagement under current Democratic leadership. Bottoms, currently serving his second term in the Colorado House of Representatives for District 15, filed his paperwork with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office in early 2025, becoming one of the first major Republican candidates to declare for the race to replace term-limited Governor Jared Polis7. His campaign presents a deeply conservative vision centered around fiscal responsibility, parental rights, and traditional values, positioning himself as the solution to what he characterizes as Colorado’s downward trajectory under progressive policies. Bottoms brings his background as a U.S. Navy veteran, religious leader, and staunch conservative to a race that will determine Colorado’s political direction following eight years of Democratic governance. His campaign raises important questions about the state’s political future and whether his brand of conservatism can appeal to the increasingly moderate-to-liberal Colorado electorate.
Background and Political Rise
Scott Bottoms brings a diverse background to his gubernatorial candidacy, having served in multiple leadership roles throughout his career. Before entering politics, Bottoms served eight years in the U.S. Navy, establishing his credentials as a patriot committed to national service5. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, a Master of Arts in Urban and Intercultural Ministries, and a Doctorate of Ministry in Intercultural Spiritual Leadership, credentials he earned between 2002 and 201125. This academic foundation in religious studies aligns with his professional role as lead pastor of the Church at Briargate in Colorado Springs, a position he has held for nearly thirteen years, following earlier ministerial work in Strasburg and Rocky Ford that broadened his connections across both rural and urban Colorado communities5.
Bottoms’ community involvement extends beyond his pastoral duties to include leadership positions on several executive boards. He has served on boards for the Assemblies of God, Nelson University, and Strong Cross Ministries, where he chaired Sarah’s Home, an organization supporting vulnerable Coloradans5. This combination of military service, religious leadership, and community involvement formed the foundation of Bottoms’ entry into politics, where he won election to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2022. Since taking office in January 2023, Bottoms has established himself as one of the most conservative members of the legislative body, often generating controversy through his strong positions on social issues and occasional conflicts with Democratic colleagues over chamber decorum7. His relatively brief political resume-having served less than one full term before announcing his gubernatorial ambitions-suggests a rapid political ascent driven by ideological conviction rather than traditional political ladder-climbing.
Representative Bottoms maintains strong family values that inform his policy positions, having been married to his wife, Linda, for 34 years5. Together they have raised three children and welcomed two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren, all part of what his campaign describes as “their Colorado story”5. This personal narrative of family stability and religious devotion forms a central component of Bottoms’ political identity and appeal to socially conservative voters in Colorado.
Campaign Launch and Central Message
Scott Bottoms made his gubernatorial ambitions official in a distinctive and personally authentic manner, announcing his candidacy during a Sunday church service where he serves as lead pastor3. The announcement, which blended his religious role with his political aspirations, provided an early glimpse into how Bottoms intends to position himself in the race-as a candidate whose faith informs his politics and who isn’t afraid to merge these aspects of his life. During his announcement, Bottoms displayed his characteristic blunt approach, jokingly telling his congregation, “If I don’t get elected, nothing changes except probably four or five bitter sermons for the next few weeks after that”3. This remark, while humorous, highlighted the deep connection between his pastoral role and political identity that distinguishes him from many other candidates.
The central message of Bottoms’ campaign revolves around the narrative that Colorado is in decline under Democratic leadership and requires rescue through conservative governance. His campaign materials present stark claims about the state’s condition, asserting that Colorado ranks first nationally in bank robberies and cocaine use, second in car theft, third in drug use and addiction, and stands as the third most dangerous state in the country5. These alarming statistics, prominently featured on his campaign website, serve to support Bottoms’ assertion that Colorado has “buckled” under what he describes as “reckless spending, rising crime, and failing schools”5. This framing allows Bottoms to position himself as the solution to these problems by offering what he characterizes as “real solutions” rather than “empty promises” from political elites whom he portrays as being disconnected from ordinary Coloradans5.
Bottoms’ campaign launch coincided with that of another Republican legislator, Senator Mark Baisley of Woodland Park, who has also entered the 2026 gubernatorial race7. Both candidates are positioning themselves as conservative alternatives to the policies implemented under Governor Polis’s administration, though Bottoms appears to be staking out positions further to the right on social issues7. The early entry of these candidates into a race still nearly two years away signals the Republican Party’s eagerness to begin building momentum toward recapturing the governor’s mansion after what will be 20 years of Democratic control, with the exception of Bill Owens who served until 20077.
Bottoms’ Vision and Platform for Colorado
At the core of Representative Bottoms’ gubernatorial platform is a promise to bring radical transparency to state government through what he calls the “Colorado D.O.G.E.”-although the specific meaning and implementation of this acronym is not fully explained in the available materials5. This transparency initiative appears central to his approach to fiscal management, promising taxpayers will know “exactly where your tax dollars go”5. His economic vision emphasizes support for small businesses by reducing what he characterizes as excessive regulations that he believes have hampered growth under current leadership5. This deregulatory approach aligns with traditional Republican economic philosophy and would represent a significant shift from the current administration’s policies if implemented.
The educational component of Bottoms’ platform centers around empowering parents and promoting what he calls “honest education”5. While not explicitly defining this term, the context suggests alignment with conservative education movements that have opposed progressive curriculum changes related to history, gender, and sexuality in public schools. His description of “standing with parents” reflects the growing Republican focus on parental rights in education that has gained traction nationally following debates over critical race theory, comprehensive sexuality education, and policies regarding transgender students5. Bottoms’ legislative record, which includes opposition to gender-affirming care and support for restrictions on related medical practices, suggests his educational policies would likely incorporate similar socially conservative positions78.
Public safety represents another key pillar of Bottoms’ campaign platform, with his website highlighting concerning crime statistics to underscore what he portrays as a failure of current leadership to maintain order and security5. The specific policies he would implement to address these issues remain somewhat undefined in available materials, though his legislative record suggests an approach that emphasizes stricter enforcement rather than the criminal justice reforms that have characterized Democratic governance in recent years78. This focus on crime rates and public safety concerns may resonate with voters regardless of political affiliation, particularly in communities experiencing increased crime rates and declining perceptions of public safety.
Legislative Record and Policy Positions
Representative Bottoms’ legislative record provides significant insight into his policy priorities and the approaches he might take as governor. During his tenure in the Colorado House of Representatives, Bottoms has sponsored several controversial bills that reflect his deeply conservative stance on social issues. One of his most notable legislative efforts was House Bill 25-1145, which proposed making it a felony human trafficking offense to bring a minor from another state to Colorado for abortion or gender-affirming care8. This bill, which Bottoms introduced without any co-sponsors, demonstrated his willingness to pursue aggressive legislative approaches to restrict access to services that conflict with his religious and social values, even in a state that has explicitly protected such access through other legislation8.
Other legislative initiatives from Bottoms have included a bill to classify helping an out-of-state minor come to Colorado for gender-affirming care as a Class 2 felony and a proposal to ban commercial insect production for human consumption7. He also co-sponsored legislation with fellow gubernatorial candidate Mark Baisley that would have made it more difficult for medical professionals providing gender-affirming care to minors to obtain medical malpractice insurance7. These bills, all of which were defeated in the Democratic-controlled legislature, provide a window into the policy directions Bottoms might pursue if elected governor with a more supportive legislative environment. His focus on restricting gender-affirming care for minors has been particularly consistent, suggesting this would remain a priority in his administration78.
On broader social issues, Bottoms is described in reporting as having “embraced election conspiracies” and being a “fierce abortion opponent”3. These positions place him firmly within the more conservative wing of the Republican Party nationally and may present challenges in a state that has increasingly voted for Democratic candidates and policies in recent election cycles. Bottoms has also worked to promote religious expression in public life, co-sponsoring legislation to create an “In God We Trust” license plate option for Colorado drivers7. This initiative aligns with his background as a religious leader and his apparent desire to bring faith-based values into his governing philosophy.
Campaign Strategy and Electoral Challenges
Bottoms’ gubernatorial campaign faces significant strategic challenges in a state that has been trending increasingly Democratic in recent election cycles. Colorado has not elected a Republican governor since Bill Owens won reelection in 2002, representing a two-decade drought for the GOP in statewide executive races7. To overcome this historical disadvantage, Bottoms appears to be pursuing a strategy that emphasizes mobilizing the conservative base through strong positions on social issues rather than moderating his stance to appeal to the broader electorate. His campaign materials and legislative record suggest he believes energizing conservative voters who share his values, particularly on religious and family issues, offers his best path to victory.
The reception to Bottoms’ candidacy has been mixed, with supportive coverage from conservative outlets like Free State Colorado describing him as “one of Colorado’s top-rated Pro-Liberty Legislators” who has been a “passionate defender of Colorado values”4. In contrast, more progressive sources like Colorado Pols have been harshly critical, describing him as “one of the dimmest bulbs in the House Republican Caucus” and dismissing his chances of electoral success3. This polarized reception reflects both the divisiveness of Bottoms’ policy positions and the highly partisan nature of Colorado’s political environment. How Bottoms navigates these divided perceptions will significantly impact his ability to build a coalition capable of winning a statewide election.
The timing of Bottoms’ announcement, coming more than 18 months before the election, provides him with an extended runway to build name recognition and develop his campaign infrastructure. As one of the first major candidates to declare, Bottoms has an opportunity to define himself to voters before his opponents can do so, though this early announcement also means sustaining campaign momentum over a longer period37. His use of his church platform for his announcement suggests he will likely continue leveraging his religious connections as both a messaging channel and potential source of grassroots support and volunteers throughout the campaign3. This strategy may prove effective for mobilizing conservative religious voters but could potentially alienate more secular or moderate voters in the general election.
Political and Ideological Context
Scott Bottoms’ gubernatorial campaign emerges within a complex political environment in Colorado, a once-reliable Republican state that has shifted significantly toward the Democratic Party over the past two decades. His candidacy represents an attempt to reverse this trend through an unapologetically conservative platform that contrasts sharply with the state’s recent political direction. Bottoms appears to be positioning himself as part of a broader conservative movement seeking to “reclaim” states from progressive governance, as suggested by his campaign website’s tagline: “Reclaiming Our State’s…”5. This framing suggests Bottoms views his candidacy as more than just a conventional political campaign but rather as part of an ideological mission to fundamentally redirect Colorado’s political trajectory.
The current political landscape in Colorado presents both opportunities and obstacles for Bottoms’ candidacy. The state legislature has been under Democratic control since 2018, allowing for the passage of progressive legislation on issues ranging from climate change to reproductive rights that conflicts with Bottoms’ conservative vision7. This legislative record provides Bottoms with clear points of contrast to highlight in his campaign messaging, but it also reflects the political preferences of a majority of Colorado voters in recent elections. The 2026 gubernatorial election will occur without an incumbent on the ballot due to term limits for Governor Polis, potentially creating a more open competition that could benefit a Republican challenger7.
Bottoms’ strong stances on divisive social issues place him firmly within the culture war dynamics that have increasingly defined American politics. His opposition to abortion access and gender-affirming care, coupled with his embrace of election conspiracies, aligns him with national Republican messaging on these issues3. However, Colorado voters have consistently supported abortion rights, including voting against restrictions in multiple ballot initiatives, suggesting a potential misalignment between Bottoms’ positions and the electorate’s preferences on at least some key issues8. This tension between Bottoms’ ideological commitments and Colorado’s political center of gravity represents perhaps his greatest challenge in translating his candidacy into electoral success.
Conclusion and Electoral Outlook
Representative Scott Bottoms’ gubernatorial campaign represents one of the earliest and most clearly defined conservative alternatives for Colorado’s 2026 election. His background as a pastor, veteran, and outspoken conservative legislator provides him with a distinctive identity in what will likely become a crowded field of candidates seeking to succeed Governor Polis. Bottoms’ platform, centered around fiscal responsibility, parental rights in education, reduced business regulation, and socially conservative values, offers a stark contrast to the progressive policies implemented during eight years of Democratic control of the governor’s office. This clear differentiation could prove beneficial in a Republican primary where candidates typically compete to appeal to the party’s conservative base.
The electoral viability of Bottoms’ candidacy in a general election remains questionable given Colorado’s recent political trajectory. His embrace of positions that have alienated moderate voters in other contexts, such as election conspiracy theories and strong opposition to abortion access, may limit his appeal beyond the Republican base3. Some political observers have already dismissed his chances, with Colorado Pols bluntly stating, “Scott Bottoms will not be Colorado’s next Governor. You can write it down with a Sharpie”3. However, the political environment in 2026 could differ significantly from current conditions, potentially creating opportunities for Republican candidates if Democratic governance faces public backlash over issues like crime, inflation, or other emerging concerns.
As the campaign progresses, Bottoms will face the challenge of balancing his deeply held conservative principles with the pragmatic necessities of winning a statewide election in a purple-trending-blue state. His early entry into the race provides time to refine his messaging and build campaign infrastructure, but also extends the period during which he will face scrutiny of his legislative record and policy positions. Whether Bottoms can translate his vision to “save” Colorado into an effective campaign narrative that resonates beyond his conservative base will ultimately determine if his gubernatorial ambitions advance beyond the primary stage to present a serious challenge for control of the state’s highest office.
Citations:
- https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/scott-bottoms
- https://ballotpedia.org/Scott_Bottoms
- https://www.coloradopols.com/diary/209081/scott-bottoms-is-doing-what-now
- https://freestatecolorado.com/bottoms-governor/
- https://www.scottbottoms.com
- https://savethecolorado.org/stc-board/
- https://www.cpr.org/2025/02/28/republicans-mark-baisley-scott-bottoms-colorado-2026-governor-race/
- https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2025/02/bill-would-make-bringing-a-minor-to-colorado-for-abortion-gender-affirming-care-a-felony/67235/
- https://www.pastorscottforhd15.com
- https://coloradosun.com/2025/01/20/scott-bottoms-colorado-governor-2026/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Bottoms
- https://www.coloradohouserepublicans.com/rep-bottoms
- https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/27887
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8iFWsEtZUU
- https://www.pastorscottforhd15.com
- https://gusto.com/resources/states/colorado/securechoice
- https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/keisha-lance-bottoms-confirms-she-plans-run-ga-governor-2026
- https://rockymountainvoice.com/2025/03/a-shepherd-in-the-trenches-rep-scott-bottoms-answers-the-call-to-fight-for-colorado/
- https://www.wabe.org/bottoms-stresses-equity-transparency-first-state-city-address/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Bottoms
- https://www.instagram.com/repscottbottoms/
- https://www.politico.com/newsletters/west-wing-playbook-remaking-government/2025/05/14/doge-cuts-run-into-wall-on-the-hill-00349978
- https://thefreedomindex.org/co/legislator/23996/votes/report-2023/pdf/sca/
- https://rumble.com/v6t7vtz-rep-scott-bottoms-plans-to-save-colorado-by-becoming-governor.html
- https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/scott-bottoms
- https://www.scottbottoms.com
- https://coloradosun.com/2025/01/20/scott-bottoms-colorado-governor-2026/
- https://www.coloradopols.com/diary/209081/scott-bottoms-is-doing-what-now
- https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5232971-former-atlanta-mayor-plans-run-for-georgia-governor/
- https://savethecolorado.org/stc-board/
- https://coloradosun.com/2022/11/03/scott-bottom-house-district-15/
- https://coag.gov/2025/statement-on-doge-access-to-sensitive-information/
- https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-135
- https://coloradosun.com/2025/05/11/colorado-americorps-mile-high-youth-corps-doge-cuts/
- https://www.9news.com/article/money/elon-musk-doge-cuts-colorado/73-0cf1999b-5a32-4d25-9486-150ac8569ef1
- https://berthoudsurveyor.com/doge-cuts-and-chaos-come-to-colorado/
- https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2018/05/02/atlanta-mayor-bottoms-discusses-transparency-unity-in-state-of-the-city/
- https://coloradosun.com/2025/03/26/colorado-250-million-health-services-doge-cuts/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XViR_ZlNEJs
- https://twitter.com/NickRogersBTL/status/1921348181155098699
- https://twitter.com/repscottbottoms/status/1900646822588412096
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- https://www.axios.com/2024/11/07/elon-musk-government-efficiency-trump
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Vision for Change: – Bottoms advocates for a return to common-sense policies that prioritize the needs of Colorado’s residents over political agendas【4:5†source】. – He stresses the importance of empowering small businesses and reducing the regulatory burden on housing developers【4:18†source】. – Community and Economic Development: – Emphasizing the need for affordable housing, Bottoms criticizes the current policies that hinder home builders【4:18†source】. – He also calls for a focus on revitalizing Colorado’s cities and rural areas, ensuring they remain attractive and livable【4:12†source】. – Political Strategy and Engagement: – Bottoms encourages political engagement and transparency, urging citizens to stay informed and involved in state governance【4:16†source】. – He believes in the power of grassroots movements to bring about meaningful change【4:13†source】. Conclusion: Representative Scott Bottoms’ campaign is built on the promise of restoring Colorado’s independence and prosperity. By addressing current challenges and proposing practical solutions, he aims to create a state where residents can thrive. As the gubernatorial race heats up, Bottoms’ vision offers a hopeful alternative for Colorado’s future. Call to Action: Stay informed about the developments in Colorado’s political landscape. Visit Representative Bottoms’ campaign website to learn more about his policies and how you can get involved in shaping the state’s future【4:10†source】. This blog post can be published on WordPress by copying the content into the WordPress editor, adding relevant images, and formatting it to fit your site’s style.
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