Colorado Treasurer Candidates Outline Divergent Plans for State Funds and Programs
Republican Kevin Grantham and Democrat Jeff Bridges are vying for Colorado’s treasurer seat, each presenting distinct approaches to investing the state’s $15-$20 billion portfolio and managing programs like the unclaimed-property fund and PERA.
With Democrat Dave Young barred from re-election, the Colorado treasurer’s contest features Republican Kevin Grantham, a former state-senate president, and Democrat Jeff Bridges, a two-term senator and former Joint Budget Committee chair. Grantham plans to keep the investment portfolio safe and liquid, reject new spending initiatives, and push for a faster return of unclaimed-property funds to owners. Bridges wants to channel the $15-$20 billion portfolio into local housing, infrastructure, childcare and renewable-energy projects, and he supports raising TABOR limits for education funding.
Both address the SecureSavings program, with Bridges praising its design but noting compliance challenges, while Grantham questions its effectiveness and funding. On pension matters, Bridges backs added guardrails for PERA bonuses and sees ESG-aligned investing as compatible with fiscal goals; Grantham warns against politically driven investment choices. The candidates also disagree on whether unclaimed-property monies should be used for state programs, with both agreeing they belong with their rightful owners.
Why it matters
The election will determine how Colorado manages billions in public assets and the direction of key financial programs.
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