2018 Governor's Race: Donna Lynne Is In
DENVER (CBS4) - Colorado Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne will run for governor next year. The former health care executive made it official in a news conference Thursday morning.
Last month, the Democrat told CBS4 she was considering a run for the top job at the state capitol, saying hundreds of people suggested she should run. Since then, she filed the paperwork to raise money for a campaign, and now she's in.
"We've made tremendous progress under Gov. John Hickenlooper, but there's more that we can do. Many of the challenges we are going to face are tough and complicated, but that doesn't scare me," she said.
Lynne says she has overcome challenges throughout her life, including working her way through college as a waitress and working as a single mom.
"We can find solutions for everyone, including on health care, our thorniest issue we face today," she said.
"Health care costs are rising at two to three times the rate of general inflation. And that's one reason why our wage growth is lagging. Employers are forced to spend their money on insurance premiums instead of putting money in the pockets of their employees. And for families living on a budget, that really matters."
In addition to health care, Lynne has said employment, education, environment and infrastructure are some of her priorities.
Hickenlooper picked Lynne to replace former Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia, who left office to run a higher-education group, in May 2016. He has spoken highly of the job she's done since then.
Rep. Jared Polis, former State Sen. Mike Johnston and former Colorado Treasurer Cary Kennedy are among those currently competing for the Democratic nomination for governor. Six Republicans have also announced their candidacies.
