Colorado Treasurer Candidates to Face Voters November 3
Candidates Jeff Bridges and Kevin Grantham offer contrasting visions for managing the state's investment portfolio.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Investing
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Should your state government prioritize investing tax dollars in local projects over traditional financial holdings?
Colorado voters will decide between Jeff Bridges and Kevin Grantham for state treasurer on November 3, 2026. The election hinges on whether to shift state investment strategy toward local projects or maintain traditional holdings.
Why it matters
The treasurer oversees a massive state portfolio that impacts Colorado's financial stability and retirement oversight. The outcome will determine if the state adopts a new approach to funding economic development or sticks to conventional asset management.
The Colorado treasurer manages an investment portfolio between $15 billion and $20 billion, alongside a $2.5 billion unclaimed property fund. The state legislature has previously authorized $50 million for affordable housing bonds.
The players
Jeff Bridges
A candidate for Colorado State Treasurer from Greenwood Village who advocates for local investment strategies.
Kevin Grantham
A candidate for Colorado State Treasurer from Cañon City who represents Fremont County and opposes changing traditional investment policies.
Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association
A state pension organization that includes the treasurer as a member of its oversight board.
The details
Jeff Bridges advocates for committing 10% to 20% of state investment funds to local projects, arguing it will foster job growth and lower living costs. Kevin Grantham contends that such changes introduce unnecessary financial risk and threaten to politicize the state's fiscal management.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Election day for the state treasurer position.
2022: Dave Young was reelected as treasurer.
2018: Dave Young was elected as treasurer.
2016: The last time a Republican was elected to statewide office in Colorado.
Market Dynamics
The debate over treasury policy in Colorado extends the precedent set by the existing law authorizing treasury investment in affordable housing bonds. This race reflects a broader national trend where state treasurers increasingly weigh the merits of local economic stimulus versus traditional fiduciary neutrality.
The winner will influence how billions in state assets are managed, potentially affecting the availability of capital for local bonds. Voters must consider whether their economic priorities align with a state-led investment strategy or a more traditional, risk-averse portfolio approach.
The takeaway
Voters are choosing between two distinct philosophies on how state funds should be deployed to support the economy. Residents should evaluate these platforms to understand how their retirement security and local bond availability might change after the election.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's financial outlook in our Colorado Investing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
Live Poll
Should your state government prioritize investing tax dollars in local projects over traditional financial holdings?
