Levon Stilson, Candidate for Colorado Senate District 11
By Nancy Murray
On August 12, 2026, Levon Stilson, a candidate for Colorado Senate District 11, visited the Republican Strategy Forum. Originally born in Durango and a military veteran who separated from the Army in 2020, Stilson shared his journey and insights that have shaped his campaign. His awakening to political issues began when he attempted to purchase a firearm and discovered the Colorado restrictions limiting magazine capacity to just 10 rounds.
Having previously worked as a legislative aide for Rebecca Keltie, representative of House District 16, Stilson is keenly aware of the political landscape and the need to prevent Democrats from regaining a supermajority. His campaign strategy is decidedly grassroots, as he intends to reach constituents in every precinct by hanging door hangers at their homes. To accomplish this ambitious task, Stilson is actively seeking volunteers to assist with canvassing in Southeast Colorado Springs, stretching from Constitution Avenue to Fountain.
When asked about outreach efforts, Stilson confirmed his involvement with local churches, noting that he has met with several pastors with the help of Jeff Crank, Congressional District 5. While Stilson acknowledged the help from others in contacting precinct leaders, he recognized the ongoing challenge of filling many vacant positions.
Stilson is determined to carry literature for any Republican candidate, demonstrating his commitment to party unity. Although he is running on his principles rather than actively pursuing endorsements, he did receive support from Becky Fuller, a candidate for Assessor, during the forum.
A confident speaker, Stilson expressed his willingness to take a stand in the Senate. He looks up to Ken DeGraff as a model of how to effectively challenge Democratic bills and mentioned the use of filibustering as a strategy to reduce the number of bills that reach the floor, noting that last year they prevented 200 bills from advancing.
Ballots are set to drop on October 5th—earlier than in previous years—with military ballots being mailed even earlier. Approaching his Libertarian opponent to drop out and endorse him, like previous races, is not possible. The Libertarian is a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which adds a significant dimension to the race, but could possibly hurt the Democrat more than Stilson.
Stilson’s campaign focuses heavily on issues of affordability and public safety. He has voiced strong opposition to the installation of Flock cameras, advocating instead for keeping criminals incarcerated, arguing that the cameras infringe upon the Fourth Amendment rights of citizens.
During the forum, Stilson was also asked about his awareness of the “Taking Bill” passed in Wyoming, which protects depositors’ funds in the event of a bank failure. He expressed his willingness to co-sponsor related legislation alongside Ken DeGraff, who is working with the Heartland group to promote financial security.
A firm believer in sovereignty, Stilson emphasized the need to reclaim authority from the United Nations. He is particularly concerned about the implications of DSA policies on American rights and freedoms, drawing attention to issues related to Sharia law. He criticized his opponent who introduced The Home Act, which he feels undermines public input regarding the establishment of residences based on religious beliefs.
Stilson believes that there is a significant misunderstanding about the nature of Sharia, asserting that it is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution due to its demands, such as the permissibility of deception in certain circumstances. He has made clear his stance that swearing an oath to the Constitution would be contradictory for someone who adheres to Sharia beliefs.
As Levon Stilson campaigns for Senate District 11, he is committed to advocating for public safety, constitutional values, and a government that prioritizes its citizens’ needs. His bold positions and grassroots efforts position him as a determined candidate ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming election.