Colorado First Means Standing on Our Own Feet — Protecting Citizens and Upholding Human Dignity

By Dr. Gregory A.  Thomas, Republican Candidate for Governor of Colorado

When the federal government sends in the National Guard to patrol American cities, something deeper is at stake than just “public safety.” It raises a constitutional question that goes to the very heart of state sovereignty and self-governance. As a candidate for Governor of Colorado — and as a man who believes in both order and justice — I must say clearly: I will not allow Colorado to be policed from Washington, D.C.

The people of this state are not subjects of a distant government. We are citizens of a proud and self-sufficient state with the capability and courage to defend our own communities. When it comes to protecting Colorado families, I don’t need federal permission — and I don’t need federal troops. I need local officers who know their streets, sheriffs who know their counties, and a governor who has their back.

That’s what Colorado First means: safety first, accountability first, and self-determination always.

Federal Force vs. State Authority

The Constitution grants states broad authority over their internal peace and security. The deployment of federal troops or National Guard units into a state without the governor’s consent is not merely bad policy — it’s an affront to the federalist balance that protects liberty. Once a governor surrenders that power, the people lose their shield against overreach.

I will never allow Colorado’s law enforcement to be overshadowed, undermined, or replaced by federal showmanship. Our sheriffs, deputies, and police officers deserve better than that. They need investment, not interference.

The Human Face of Security

Let’s be honest: immigration is not a headline issue — it’s a human issue. Families seeking hope, work, and dignity deserve to be treated as human beings, not statistics. Yet the state has an equal responsibility to protect its citizens from harm. Those two truths are not in conflict — they are complementary.

I reject the false choice between compassion and control. We can enforce the law while still upholding the humanity of every person who enters our borders. The key is discernment: identifying genuine threats without demonizing entire communities. Violent gangs and traffickers will face the full weight of Colorado law. But families and workers seeking a lawful path to stability will find an administration that treats them with fairness and respect.

Safety Without Surrender

If I am entrusted with the governorship, my administration will launch a Colorado Safety Compact — a coordinated, statewide strategy that merges intelligence-sharing, modern technology, and interagency cooperation to dismantle organized crime and protect neighborhoods. We will expand support for law enforcement, community outreach, and prevention programs that stop violence before it starts.

But what we will not do is hand over our streets to federal agents who neither understand our communities nor answer to our voters. I will stand between the people of Colorado and any attempt by Washington to impose its will on our soil.

Our Promise: A State That Protects Its Own

Leadership is about ownership. It’s about stepping up when others look away. It’s about taking responsibility for both justice and mercy — for security and humanity.

As governor, I will face immigration head-on and crime head-on — with balance, wisdom, and relentless resolve. Colorado will be safe, sovereign, and compassionate. We will be a model for the nation in how to defend citizens’ safety while preserving the dignity of every person within our borders.

Because when I say Colorado First, I mean all of Colorado — from the ranch towns to the mountain passes, from the inner cities to the plains. This land is our home. These people are our family. And I intend to protect my family — personally, constitutionally, and without apology.