Libertarian Candidate Filed for Colorado Congressional Seat

Westminster resident Dave Wood launched a campaign for Colorado's 8th Congressional District seat.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Political Parties

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Libertarian candidate Dave Wood has officially filed to run for Colorado's 8th Congressional District, bringing a third-party platform to the contest. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Libertarian candidate Dave Wood has officially filed to run for Colorado's 8th Congressional District. Wood, a resident of Westminster, seeks the seat on a platform rooted in his longstanding commitment to Libertarian values.

Why it matters

Wood is running to advocate for Libertarian principles, including a primary goal to work toward bringing U.S. troops home if elected. His candidacy introduces a third-party perspective to the contest for the district.

Dave Wood has filed as a Libertarian for the 8th Congressional District, which encompasses areas including Westminster, Thornton, Commerce City, Greeley, and parts of Weld and Larimer counties.

The players

Dave Wood

He is a Libertarian candidate from Westminster running for office in the 8th Congressional District.

The details

Wood brings a history of political activism to the race, having challenged the military draft in 1966. He was sentenced to jail for his actions before eventually receiving a pardon in 1977.

Timeline

  1. Wood challenged the military draft in 1966.

  2. Wood received a pardon for his previous conviction in 1977.

  3. The congressional election is scheduled for 2026.

Political Context

Wood's platform stems from a long history of anti-draft activism, reflecting a specific ideological opposition to the Military Selective Service Act. While he advocates for specific changes to military policy, he faces institutional pushback from major parties who generally support current draft-registration mandates.

Residents of the 8th Congressional District will now see an additional choice on the ballot, potentially impacting vote totals for major party candidates. Voters should evaluate how his specific stance on military policy aligns with local interests in Weld and Larimer counties.

The takeaway

Wood’s entry into the race highlights the ongoing influence of ideological candidates in district-level politics. His past experience with the legal system informs his current focus on troop withdrawal and personal liberty.

Further reading

Learn more about the state's political landscape in the Political Parties section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Public Radio.

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