Aaron GutierrezCandidate

Aaron Gutierrez

State SenateDemocrat

CO-SD3 State Senate

Mexican·Owner and Partner at Garcia Gutierrez Law Group (heads criminal defense and immigration practices)

Why This Race Matters

Aaron Gutierrez is running against Charles Perko (D, union leader), Taylor Voss (D, former Pueblo School District 60 at-large board member) in Democratic primary; Dana Charles (R, healthcare manager) in general.

SD-3 is a key swing district that could determine whether Democrats reach a two-thirds supermajority in the Colorado Senate, which would allow them to override gubernatorial vetoes and refer constitutional amendments to voters. Incumbent Nick Hinrichsen is not seeking re-election, leaving an open seat in Pueblo County that has been trending right. Democrats have held this seat since 2014.

Three-way Democratic primary pits attorney/White House alum Gutierrez against union leader Charles Perko and former school board member Taylor Voss. Republican Dana Charles (healthcare manager) is the sole GOP candidate. Gutierrez emphasizes his experience as a public defender handling 250+ cases and his Obama White House background, positioning as someone who can work across party lines. The Colorado Democratic Party chose Pueblo to host its 2026 state assembly, signaling the region's importance.

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 30, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Pueblo native, attorney, and brain cancer survivor who underwent surgery to remove eight brain tumors and endured three rounds of chemotherapy after being diagnosed at age 20 as a Colorado College freshman. Former public defender who handled up to 250 cases at a time before transitioning to private practice. Worked in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during the Obama Administration as a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellow. Now co-owns Garcia Gutierrez Law Group in Pueblo, heading the firm's criminal defense and immigration practices. Running to address crime, homelessness, and economic development in his hometown.

Family & Heritage

Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado to a Mexican-American family. When diagnosed with brain cancer at age 20, his parents had to pay for much of his treatment out of pocket despite having insurance. Community support helped his family through the experience, which shaped his commitment to healthcare access and public service. His battle with cancer and recovery drove him toward helping individuals with disabilities and those in vulnerable situations.

Political Career

Before Politics

El Pomar Foundation Fellow (2008); Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellow (2009); White House Office of Legislative Affairs - Obama Administration (2009); Congressman John Salazar's Office (CO-03) staff; Koncilja & Koncilja law firm; Colorado State Public Defender - Pueblo Office (2016-2021, handled up to 250 cases at a time); Garcia Gutierrez Law Group Owner/Partner (2021-present, heads criminal defense and immigration practices)

Education

B.A. International Political Economy with Spanish minor from Colorado College (2008); J.D. from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School (2012); El Pomar Foundation Fellowship (Class of 2008); Colorado Bar admitted (2015)

Awards & Recognition

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Fellow (2009); El Pomar Foundation Fellow (Class of 2008); Brain cancer survivor and advocate

Key Issues & Priorities

*Healthcare access (shaped by personal brain cancer experience and family's out-of-pocket costs)
*Crime reduction with de-escalation training for law enforcement
*Mental healthcare and drug rehabilitation funding to address root causes of crime
*Homelessness and affordable housing (strategic investment attraction for low-income housing)
*Economic diversification and local job opportunities for Pueblo County

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