Kurth Will Challenge Collins for Senate District 4
The Marine veteran and former dispatcher will run for the Colorado State Senate seat in the November 3 general election.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Military
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Democratic candidate Justin Kurth will face Republican opponent Teddy Collins for Colorado State Senate District 4 on November 3, 2026. The district encompasses several counties, including Fremont, Chaffee, Park, Teller, Lake, and Custer, alongside parts of Jefferson and Douglas counties.
Why it matters
Kurth argues that rural Coloradans currently lack sufficient representation in the state government. He contends that current leadership has grown complacent and warns of an impending fiscal crisis that requires new attention.
The District 4 seat, held by Mark Baisley since 2023, is up for election on November 3, 2026. The region includes a veteran population of approximately 10%.
The players
Justin Kurth
He is a Democratic candidate for the Colorado State Senate who previously served as a Marine and a 911 dispatcher.
Teddy Collins
He is the Republican candidate running for the District 4 seat in the upcoming general election.
Mark Baisley
He is the incumbent who has held the District 4 seat in the Colorado State Senate since 2023.
The details
Kurth emphasizes his background as a Marine veteran and former 911 dispatcher to advocate for better inter-agency crisis coordination. He also supports the Rural Jumpstart program, which utilizes tax incentives and grants to spur business growth in rural areas.
Timeline
Mark Baisley began his tenure in the District 4 seat in 2023.
The general election for Colorado State Senate District 4 is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
The debate over District 4 representation highlights the ongoing implementation of the Rural Jumpstart program in rural communities. Opposition parties may argue that centralized state policies often overlook the specific regional needs of the diverse counties within the district.
Voters in District 4 will decide which candidate will shape regional economic policy and business incentives for the next term. The outcome could dictate the future direction of state support for the rural areas and veteran services in the district.
The takeaway
The race highlights the tension between rural representation and existing state-level economic programs. Voters should evaluate how each candidate plans to address the regional impact of fiscal trends in rural Colorado.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's political climate and defense interests on the Military section page.
More information
For campaign updates and platform details, visit the Justin Kurth campaign website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Canon City Daily Record.
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