On March 7, the Grand County Democrats gathered for their 2026 caucuses and county assembly to choose precinct organizers and elect delegates to the higher level, multi-district assemblies, including the state assembly. A record number of attendees signed up to serve as election judges and precinct organizers, the party stated in a March 12 press release.

“Attendees sat around lunch tables at the East Grand Middle School and discussed the issues that they feel the Democratic Party in Grand County should concentrate on,” the release said. “These issues will form the Grand County Democrats’ platform for the 2026 election cycle … Participation exceeded the expectations of the Grand County Democrats leadership.”

As county assemblies wrap up across the state by March 14, the focus now shifts to the state assembly in Pueblo on March 28. There, Democrats from every corner of Colorado will gather to finalize the primary ballot and organize for the 2026 general election.

Newsom declares candidacy

The most unexpected moment of the day came during the county assembly when Liz Newsom, chair of the Grand County Democrats, was nominated from the floor as a candidate for Grand County clerk and recorder.

“The nomination was met with a standing ovation and cheers from the assembly,” the release states. “Newsom enthusiastically accepted the nomination.”

Newsom will run her campaign against Republican incumbent Jolene Linke who was first elected in 2022.

“I decided to run when I realized I was the right person for the job at the right time,” Newsom said in an interview with Sky-Hi News a couple of hours after the March 12 press release. “My support goes far beyond the Grand County Democrats. I have built trusting relationships in the time that I’ve lived here with many different groups across the entirety of Grand County. I’m excited to kick off the campaign and show people why I’m the best person to be the Grand County clerk and recorder.”

Newsom then described why she believes she is qualified for the role.

“I’m passionate about elections and the democratic process,” she said. “The Clerk’s Office is not a place to be partisan. Grand County has a desire to feel confident that elections are done in a transparent and accurate way. The Clerk’s Office provides a public service. I bring a positive and process-oriented approach to the work that I do. It gives people a peace of mind and confidence to be able to work with me.”

Newsom alluded to some of the challenges she will face if elected to the four-year role.

“The world is changing and the protection of our community is a priority,” she said. “There are going to be challenges I know I am equipped to deal with, including diminishing faith in elections, the AI landscape and population growth in Grand County. And the people’s confidence is of utmost importance in those regards.”

In a phone call with Sky-Hi News later that afternoon, Linke confirmed that she is most certainly up for the challenge herself.

“I have been in the position for four years and have never stopped learning,” she said. “I’m very committed to my job. I love this job and believe I have a hardworking team of well-trained employees. They are running the office smoothly and I am proud of the job they are doing.”

At their assembly, the Grand County Democrats did not put forth any candidates for a number of other county positions slated for election on Nov. 3, including treasurer, assessor, coroner, surveyor, sheriff and county commissioner for District 3.

Morgan Colin contributed reporting from an interview with Jolene Linke.