COLLIER: Top 10 Political Issues in 2025 Republicans Will Watch in Douglas County
Top 10 Political Issues in 2025 Republicans Will Watch in Douglas County
Our wonderful Douglas County continues to remain at the intersection of local, state and federal politics, which 2024 further confirmed. From a presidential election to new congressional representation as well as a contentious state house race in Highlands Ranch and county commissioner elections, together with a nearly half-billion dollar tax increase, we saw just a little bit of everything politically over the last six to nine months.
And in just a little over a month, members of the Douglas County Republican Party’s central committee will come together on February 3 to select its next corps of officer leadership guiding the party over the next two years. Each will be charged with setting the agenda, protecting the GOP’s brand and supporting the expansion of the party – all while helping to get Republicans elected.
In the shadow of that election will come a number of external challenges the party will need to navigate through. The good (or bad) news? Politically, change continues to be the dominant backdrop for our community’s near-term future. And with that, here are the top 10 political issues to watch for in Douglas County in 2025 that will affect the DCGOP, as well as the community overall:
1. Kevin Van Winkle’s Transition as County Commissioner
In 2025, Kevin Van Winkle was slated to succeed term-limited Lora Thomas as a county commissioner, marking a generational shift in leadership. Not to be outdone by the new year, 2024 proved even more versatile as Commissioner Thomas surprised the community with an out-of-the-blue announcement that she would immediately resign, three weeks before the end of her 8-year tenure. With a vacancy appointment overseen by Governor Jared Polis, Van Winkle was seated early, getting right to work.
Van Winkle, with his background as both a state senator and representative, is expected to push for greater fiscal responsibility, lower taxation, firm stances on illegal immigration and and policies that appeal to the county's more conservative base. A key point to watch will be his relationship with fellow Commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal, as previous relationships with Thomas were tenuous. Issues such as zoning, growth, water, taxation and public safety will all be issues to watch.
As Van Winkle navigates the evolving political landscape of the county, his vision for the future could reshape the county’s governance, making his relationships with the other commissioners critical to future policy developments, especially as he could be in the role through 2032.
2. Douglas County School Board Elections and the Aftermath of the $500 Million Tax Increase
In November 2025, four of the seven seats on the Douglas County School Board will be up for reelection, marking a high water mark for the conservative-leaning “Kids First” movement from four years ago. With the recent passage of a nearly $500 million tax increase to fund infrastructure development and other maintenance needs, many voters will evaluate the school board’s performance on issues such as fighting back on the advancement of “Critical Race Theory” and intensifying incorporation of diversity, inclusion, and equity, or “DEI” requirements. Additionally, transparency and fiscal responsibility to the citizenry will also be examined, as well as addressing persistent challenges with the hiring of qualified staff, such as security guards and bus drivers.
This is happening in the shadow of the last 10 years as the district has experienced an average 7.6% decrease in student enrollment. Despite this decline, the district’s full-time employment has seen staggering growth, with a more than 50% increase during the same period, raising concerns about the effective use of taxpayer dollars and the district’s operational priorities.
The bond’s passage may also raise additional scrutiny, particularly regarding the creation of high-paying positions ranging from $100,000 to $175,000 for bond project managers and accountants to oversee the distribution of funds. After the bond’s passage, Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet* was hired to oversee the bond’s distribution and usage. The community will be watching closely to see how Mrs. Millet oversees this massive haul, and the Mill Bond Oversight Committee will undoubtedly receive additional scrutiny as well. Will hiring decisions on other bond management positions be based solely on merit, or will pro-tax increase supporters exert influence, leading to instances of cronyism? The hiring process could become a contentious issue, especially if transparency and fairness are called into question.
As voters head to the polls this fall, these issues, combined with concerns about student performance, declining enrollment, creeping progressivism and administrative spending, will undoubtedly play a role in the school district board election outcome. The election results will determine whether the board continues its current trajectory or shifts toward a new direction that better aligns with community expectations.
3. Growth, Public Safety and Crime
One of the hot button topics that has dominated Douglas County for the first quarter of the 21st Century will continue to make the headlines, and that’s continued growth. As sprawling communities continue to build out, such as Sterling Ranch to the west, The Canyons adjacent to Castle Pines, and Red Hawk on the southern edge of Castle Rock, comes other challenges such as traffic congestion, living costs and public safety needs.
Those needs may come to the forefront sooner than later as Douglas County continues to see a significant spillover of criminal activity from the Denver Metro area. Sheriff Darren Weekly’s repeated calls for Metro Denver police departments to take tougher stances on crime, particularly against violent gangs and illegal alien gangs prevalent in the Aurora area, have been a rallying call to Douglas County communities, especially as home invasions and automobile theft has both exponentially gone up compared to previous years.
As crime rates increase in surrounding areas, how the sheriff’s office responds and the level of cooperation with other metro agencies will play a critical role in shaping Douglas County’s future and how it may be perceived from prospective home buyers … or home sellers.
4. The Future of Water
Water, a vital issue for the growth of Douglas County, will remain a talked about item in 2025. As the county continues to grow, especially in residential construction and expanding municipalities, access to reliable water resources will become more critical.
More than 30 service providers bring the lifeblood of water into Douglas County communities, ranging from Parker Water in the northeast to Highlands Ranch Water (formerly Centennial Water) in the northwest, and Thunderbird Water and Sanitation to the west, and everywhere in between. Many of these districts work in tandem to properly balance and provide water to tens of thousands of customers.
As the community looks into the future, the county’s Water Commission, established in late 2023, continues to develop Douglas County's 2050 Comprehensive Water Plan. One issue of contention that arose in 2024 was the shadow of the controversial Renewable Water Resource program, which aims to address the county’s future water needs by transporting water from southern Colorado counties to fulfill growth needs locally. As this project is estimated to come in at more than $1 billion in tax dollars to support public works, questions will continue to dominate in 2025 if investors into the RWR project could influence the outcome of the Water Commission by having sway over its planning development, and final submission to the county commissioners.
5. The Election of Josh Rivero and the Future of Limited Government in Parker
The election of Josh Rivero in Parker marks a significant shift in the northeast portion of the county’s political leadership. As Parker continues to move away from its traditional small-government mindset, the town is embracing more progressive policies under its increasingly liberal town council. This shift raises important questions about the future of governance and policy direction in one of the county’s key communities.
Notably, the town council has moved away from previous practices of holding special elections for voters when vacancies occur on town council, such as the 2021 elections that resulted in both Mr. Rivero and Anne Barrington winning the two vacated seats. Now, in 2025, Parker Town Council has adopted a seemingly less transparent process where existing council members are to select new members to fill vacancies. Critics argue this quasi-transparent system limits voter participation and accountability, leaving residents with less influence over their representation. This approach has fueled concerns about transparency and the council’s commitment to maintaining democratic principles, especially under the guise of changing partisan beliefs of the traditional conservative mindset there.
As Parker’s leadership leans further left, the impacts on local policies will become more evident. From potential changes in zoning laws to increased focus on social services, the council’s direction could significantly alter the town’s identity. This evolution will likely spark debate among residents who have historically favored limited government and fiscal conservatism, with newly-planted residents and rapidly increased development, making the town’s policy decisions a key area to watch in 2025.
6. Bob Marshall’s Continued Sprint to the Left and Its Impact on Douglas County
As Colorado’s state legislature continues to shift toward more progressive policies, one of the most significant figures to watch in 2025 will be Bob Marshall, who represents Highlands Ranch via House District 43. Under increasing pressure from the more extreme factions of his party in Denver, Marshall is expected to continue moving further left on key issues, with substantial implications for Douglas County, especially his suburban district.
Marshall has already drawn criticism for his stance on First Amendment rights, particularly in his attacks on the rights of lawfully elected sheriffs, including those in conservative counties, to uphold their oaths of office and enforce local laws through public outreach and position taking. As more progressive policies take center stage, this disregard for local law enforcement authority will likely continue to create tensions between Marshall and constituents who expect their elected officials to support the rule of law and the protection of constitutional rights.
Additionally, Marshall’s continued support for policies that allow for drug injection sites closer to public spaces—especially those frequented by children, such as schools and parks—has sparked concern in suburban communities. His stance on such issues could put him at odds with local residents who prioritize community safety and public health, making this a flashpoint in local politics.
Perhaps most concerning for Douglas County taxpayers will be Marshall’s efforts to undermine or limit the protections offered by the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or “ TABOR. His position on repealing or significantly weakening TABOR threatens to alter Colorado’s approach to tax and spending limits. As one of the more fiscally conservative areas in the state, Douglas County residents will likely view these efforts as an overreach, fearing they could lead to an erosion of balanced budgeting in Colorado government, higher taxes and less accountability in government spending.
Marshall’s continued shift to the left could define his tenure in the state legislature, making his progressive stance on key issues a critical topic for Douglas County in 2025.
7. The Trump Effect and Its Impact on Douglas County Voters
In 2025, President Trump’s policies will continue to take shape, including positions on illegal immigration, Department of Defense basing, to include the U.S. Space Force, and his economic vision for oil and gas exploration and green-energy initiatives. These positions will undoubtedly affect the political psyche of Douglas County residents as they are discussed via the media and through social channels.
President Trump’s stance on cracking down on illegal immigration will be a central issue, particularly as voters in the county have expressed concerns about border security as they are tied to increased rates of homelessness and crime. With a heightened focus on reducing and streamlining federal programs—such as the Department of Education—many local voters will closely monitor how these issues could play out at the state and local levels as they can elicit an emotional reaction.
The Trump effect will be felt in local elections as residents seek to balance their support for conservative values with the realities of an evolving political landscape.
8. The Growing Influence of Low-Income Housing in the Suburbs
Douglas County continues to see a rise in low-income housing projects, particularly in neighborhoods like Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Castle Rock. These developments, including affordable apartments and other housing units, may have a significant impact on future property values and local dynamics, such as criminal activity and potential blight.
This is further confirmed by both Republican and Democrat candidates who took donations from low-income housing proponents, such as the Metro Housing Coalition Political Action Committee and others. As Douglas County has never traditionally been a destination for low-income housing, will legacy residents react negatively to these ongoing developments?
While affordable housing is necessary to meet the county’s growing demand, the potential increase in crime associated with these developments may also be a point of concern for many residents. Will these projects lead to the erosion of Douglas County’s suburban and rural charm? Or will they provide proper housing for working-class families without compromising safety and community values?
9. Who Will Be Our Next Governor and Senator in 2026?
Right now, the road to Colorado’s next governor election has already started, if only in private. As Jared Polis is term-limited from serving again, candidates from both the Republican and Democrat Parties are jockeying to determine who will hold the mantle of their parties going into November 2026. Additionally, Senator John Hickenlooper is up for re-election, and all indications are he intends to run again to represent the state.
In 2025, we will begin to see this field come to shape. Citizens should expect announcements in mid to late November of Coloradans who will enter their respective party’s primaries. Previous Republican candidate for governor, Heidi Ganahl, is a Douglas County resident and many will be curious if she will make a second run at the position. Other Douglas County names such as former Congressman Greg Lopez, former candidate for U.S. Senate and House Deb Flora, and others may also make another run for both state-wide and federal offices.
10. The Colorado Republican Party’s March Election and Its Impact on Douglas County
In March, the Colorado Republican Party will hold elections for its state leadership, and the outcome could have consequences for local communities in Douglas County. With Governor Jared Polis term-limited and the 2026 gubernatorial election on the horizon, the GOP's future direction will be critical in shaping policy strategies across the state.
Local Republicans will be watching closely to see if the party's leadership can unify around a clear vision, especially when it comes to issues like education reform, public safety, illegal immigration, economic growth, and local government autonomy. This leadership shift will play a critical role in the party’s ability to compete in upcoming elections, including the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Steve Collier
Highlands Ranch, CO
*Correction: Ms. Jackie Millet is the former mayor of Lone Tree.
Editor’s note: Written by Mr. Collier, a precinct committee person serving the DCGOP.