The central committee of the Colorado Democratic Party voted decisively to censure Governor Jared Polis, resulting in his temporary exclusion from party-sponsored events. The decision followed a petition by hundreds of Democrats in response to Polis’s commutation of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters’ sentence. Originally convicted for tampering with election equipment, Peters’ sentence was reduced from nearly nine years to less than five. She could be eligible for parole by June 1.
Governor Polis defended his decision, asserting that it was based on an objective review of similar cases and the information available. He pointed out that other public officials involved in corruption typically received probation or shorter sentences. Polis argued that the harshness of Peters’ sentence was influenced by her statements rather than her actions—a concern raised by the appellate court as well.
Mesa County District Attorney Dan Rubenstein strongly opposed the commutation, emphasizing the seriousness of Peters’ actions as a prolonged effort to undermine election security. He argued that her sentence could have been much longer and accused Polis of disregarding the advice of his clemency board and other parties closely connected to the case.
Discontent among Democrats stemmed from perceptions that the governor’s actions contradicted the party’s dedication to defending democratic institutions and election integrity. The State Central Committee’s official statement underscored this sentiment, declaring that the clemency decision harmed the party’s credibility and commitment to election integrity. As a result, Governor Polis is barred from participating in party events until further notice.
The State Central Committee finds that Governor Jared Polis’s decision to grant clemency to Tina Peters materially harmed the Colorado Democratic Party’s institutional credibility and efforts to defend democratic institutions and election integrity.
Statements from party officials highlighted the potential implications of reduced accountability for election tampering, particularly amid broader national challenges to voting rights. The party reaffirmed its commitment to election security and transparency, while emphasizing the importance of swift and organized responses to actions perceived as undermining these values.
The censure signifies the Colorado Democratic Party’s intent to maintain its stance against election denialism and disinformation. Until the State Central Committee or Executive Committee decides otherwise, Governor Polis will not be involved in any official party functions.
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