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Guest Columnist – Why I’m Running for Congress

Why I’m Running for Congress Por qué me postulo para el Congreso

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by our guest columnists do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of this publication.

By Gabe Evans

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Three years ago, I was a cop in the Denver area. I left law enforcement to run for political office because the far left, “defund the police” policies adopted by state and federal legislators in recent years have made it impossible for police to do their job and keep us safe. These legislators are devoted to an extreme political ideology that treats criminals like victims and police like oppressors. With the police handcuffed and criminals running wild, I decided I had to do something. That’s why I’m running for Congress.

Just a few years ago, Colorado was one of the safer states in the nation. Now, according to US News & World Report, Colorado is the third most dangerous state in the nation. For two years in a row, Colorado has topped the nation in car theft. Since fentanyl was decriminalized in 2019, the number of Coloradans dying from fentanyl deaths has risen by 800 percent.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Colorado’s crime and drug wave didn’t just happen. It results from terrible policies at the state and federal level. And it’s putting working families (including many Hispanic families such as my own) at risk. That’s not acceptable.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris opened the southern border and effectively forfeited control to the cartels and coyotes who profit from human and drug smuggling. Colorado lawmakers, including my opponent, voted to decriminalize fentanyl, approved so-called “cashless bail” policies that allow dangerous criminals back onto our streets, and made it illegal for local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE and Border Patrol to detain dangerous criminals and cartel members. Lawmakers passed policies that make police officers guilty until they prove themselves innocent if they’re subject to a complaint. Police budgets have been cut.

These extreme, far-left policies are terribly misguided. We must do better.

We know what works

History tells the story. When you punish crime, you get less of it. When you go easy on criminals and drug dealers, you get more crime and drugs in our communities.

My Abuelito immigrated to the United States from Chihuahua, Mexico, for the American Dream. As a husband, father, retired cop, and U.S. Army combat veteran, I’ve spent my adult life protecting that dream, taking on tough challenges, and working to make a difference. Now, I’m ready for this next challenge: building a new generation of leadership that can change Congress and build a stronger, safer America and Colorado.

I’d appreciate your vote! Learn more at ElectGabeEvans.com