David Schultheis Addresses the State of Colorado Politics and Conservative Leadership

David Schultheis, a well-known Colorado statesman and longtime conservative leader, met with the Republican Strategy Forum on January 21 to share his perspective on the current state of Colorado politics, candidates for governor, and the role of Christian values in public life.

Schultheis served six years in the Colorado House of Representatives representing House District 14, followed by four years in the Colorado State Senate for Senate District 9. His full biography appears at the conclusion of this article.

The State of the Colorado GOP

Schultheis opened by addressing the current political landscape in Colorado, noting that Democrats control the state largely due to low voter turnout, particularly among Christians. He emphasized that Republicans are significantly outnumbered, with Democrats holding a 43–22 majority in the House and a 23–12 majority in the Senate.

Operating as a small minority in both chambers, he said, requires conservative leaders to hold firmly to their principles without allowing the media or special interest groups to label them as “radical” for opposing progressive policies. Compromise for the sake of appearances, he warned, often allows progressives to claim conservative support as proof of “bipartisan” backing.

Schultheis referenced a successful guiding principle from earlier years—“Committed to the Core”—and urged today’s leaders to return to clear, values-based messaging. During his tenure, he helped institute a Bible study at the Capitol, which remains active more than 20 years later.

He encouraged candidates and elected officials to deliver short, concise speeches that clearly communicate their bottom line, allowing less time for vague audience-building and more time for specific policy positions. “No nonsense,” he said.

Schultheis also criticized current GOP leadership messaging, pointing to recent comments by party chair Brita Horn, who won her position by a narrow margin of 52–47. In a recent interview, Horn emphasized themes such as “unity” and “inclusion,” which Schultheis described as generalities rather than a clear conservative platform. He questioned the absence of specific policy positions and leadership direction.

He urged Republicans to be strong without being mean-spirited, emphasizing cooperation without capitulation. He also noted that many candidates rely on popular catchphrases such as affordability and public safety but fail to offer detailed solutions.

Candidates for Colorado Governor

Schultheis provided an overview of declared and potential gubernatorial candidates:

• Scott Bottoms, a current Colorado representative, Navy veteran, and Baptist pastor, was described as the strongest candidate. Schultheis praised Bottoms for clearly defending his positions, standing firm under constant attack, and showing courage—particularly on election integrity.
• Victor Marx was noted for strong positions on human trafficking, family issues, and veteran services at the federal level, though Schultheis acknowledged he is not widely known.
• Josh Griffin was described as relying heavily on broad messaging such as “practical solutions” without enough specificity, particularly on issues like early childhood education and affordable housing.
• Jason Mikesell, Sheriff of Teller County, was said to lack sufficient campaign clarity and was encouraged to remain focused on his current role.
• McBride, a trial attorney from Lone Tree, was described as a moderate candidate who may lean further left. His platform centers on civility in government and economic stability for the middle class.
• Barb Kirkmeyer, a state senator from Brighton representing Weld County, was characterized as an establishment candidate supported by former Governor Bill Owens. While her platform includes affordability, public safety, property taxes, and reducing bureaucracy, Schultheis did not consider her a strong conservative despite her endorsements.
• Greg Lopez, running as an unaffiliated candidate, was not expected to significantly impact the race due to Colorado’s two-party system.

Schultheis also shared a governing philosophy he believes conservatives should adopt: begin committee deliberations with a default “no” vote on every bill until convinced otherwise by specific conservative policies and programs.

Education and Cultural Issues

Education was a central concern in Schultheis’ remarks. He expressed alarm over what he sees as a lack of history and patriotism in school curricula and described education as critical to the future of the nation.

Motivated to act, Schultheis began studying school systems six years ago and meeting with conservative candidates running for school boards. Over that period, he spoke with approximately 65 candidates, discussing how to stand firm on key issues. He observed that many candidates who profess strong Christian faith struggle with confrontation, often conceding on contentious issues such as pronoun policies or declining to run for a second term to avoid conflict.

“As I age, the stronger I get,” Schultheis said, recounting a scene from the film Oppenheimer that resonated with him. In the scene, Oppenheimer pauses before Nazi generals and declares, “Hitler is not greater than God.” Schultheis cited this as a reminder of the importance of moral courage.

He asserted that immoral laws are not legitimate laws and must be challenged, emphasizing the need to protect religious freedom. He encouraged individuals to be the first to stand firm, citing examples such as Erin Lee and others who have done so.

Schultheis urged greater grassroots involvement, including running for school boards and volunteering for textbook reviews when opportunities arise. He also raised concerns about DEI concepts being introduced at the pre-K level and stated that unions and leftist organizations have exerted control over schools since the 1960s.

Bio:

David Schultheis served 6 years in the Colorado House of Representatives for HD-14, and 4 years in the Colorado State Senate for SD-9. He founded the conservative Republican Study Committee of Colorado, a House-Senate caucus committed to Constitutional and free market principles. Under David’s chairmanship the organization quickly rose to the forefront on such issues as pro-life, illegal immigration, and 2nd Amendment rights. 

As an elected leader, Schultheis had an unwavering commitment to the nation’s founding principles and to protecting the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property. He is a proponent of privatization and fiscal responsibility, knowing that individual freedom and private sector innovation are the source of prosperity, not government programs. Schultheis believes individuals should have greater choice in health care and in education because liberty and competition, not bureaucracy and regulation, spur innovation and excellence. 

Dave is currently committed to advocating for major changes in the Public K-12 education system that he sees as critical in protecting the future of our country. His heroes include President Ronald Reagan for his positive vision and resolve under fire, William Wilberforce, British Member of Parliament who worked to end the slave trade, and of course Charlie Kirk, who has done much to inspire today’s youth to see the values of Marriage, Family and Children in the context of Christianity as essential to one’s happiness. He admires each for their enduring perseverance and courage under significant cultural and political opposition.

On the rare occasion when he has some leisure time, Dave likes to fly fish.