Meet Our Elected Republican Leaders
US Congress
Jeff Hurd, Congress, US Congress, Colorado’s 3rd District
Jeff was elected to the US Congress in 2024 to represent the 3rd Congressional District. Jeff Hurd is a Colorado native, a husband, a father of five, and an attorney committed to his community and to improving life in rural Colorado. He is focused on doing something instead of just being someone.
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Jeff grew up in Grand Junction, and after high school went to college and eventually law school. His career brought him to New York, where he worked with and against some of the brightest minds in law. In 2014, Jeff returned home to western Colorado with his wife, Barbora, to raise their family.
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Since returning home, Jeff has built a law practice focused on rural Colorado. For years he has worked with—and advocated for—rural hospital districts, fire districts, school districts, and broadband internet providers. Most of his work involves serving the public Jeff has also served the Grand Junction business community and the broader Colorado legal community in various leadership roles.
Garfield County Commissioners
Tom Jankovsky, Garfield County Commissioner, District 1
I am Tom Jankovsky, your current county commissioner for Garfield County District 1.
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A third-generation Coloradoan, Tom Jankovsky has been a Garfield County resident since 1985 with extensive experience working in both the private and public sectors. A well-known face in the community, Tom was General Manager of Sunlight Mountain Resort from 1985 to 2018. Since then, he has served as Garfield County Commissioner and was re elected in 2022.
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Tom is as passionate about Garfield County as he is about skiing. As a businessperson and fiscal conservative, he supports a strong, diverse economy that improves the lives of everyone living in Garfield County. Top issues include common-sense policies for energy independence utilizing natural gas and clean energy alternatives to fuel not only our county but also aid our state and nation as energy prices continue to soar under democratic leadership. Looking ahead, Tom foresees housing as the county’s biggest hurdle. “Without attainable and affordable housing, we cannot maintain our workforce. The solution will come from projects and partnerships that involve both private and public sectors.
Perry Will, Garfield County Commissioner, District 2
I am Perry Will, your current county commissioner for Garfield County District 2.
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My entire career has been dedicated to public service for Coloradans. Working for Division of Wildlife/Colorado Parks and Wildlife led me into a variety of diverse policy arenas on the Western Slope. During that time, I effectively worked with various ideological and political backgrounds on multiple contentious issues. My reputation at the Capitol as a problem solver is evidenced by a list of meaningful bills passed during the most divisive times.
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As County Commissioner my priorities include Affordable Housing, Public Lands and Federal Government mandates, the local economy, more jobs, offering workforce development, transportation issues, West Slope water, affordability of living on the West Slope of Colorado, I love Garfield County and its residents, this is my home and my family’s home, a great place to raise a family.
Mike Samson, Garfield County Commissioner, District 3
I am Mike Samson, your current county commissioner for Garfield County District 3.
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I am in my 17th year as one of your elected commissioners. I am still as honored today to serve as as I was on the first day elected to this office. I sincerely ask for your continued support and confidence in my run for re-election. It appears that our national and state governments have not done a good job on many fronts. I confidently state that Garfield County is in good shape. Leaders in county governments throughout the U.S. deal with issues such as : preserving public lands for public and multiple use, development of all kinds of energy with natural gas a vital part, transportation within our valley, water (emphasis on Shoshones Permanency), communication – Broadband, and the local economy. My main focus is the health, safety, and welfare of Garfield County citizens. I believe that Garfield County has been governed wisely, efficiently, and effectively for these past many years and hope that you feel the same. I, therefore, ask you to again support me for Garfield County District 3 Commissioner.
County Officials
Lou Vallario, Sheriff
A resident of Garfield County since 1986, Lou Vallario is a law enforcement veteran. Pleased with his performance, citizens have elected him to the position of Garfield County Sheriff for the past 20 years,five terms. Currently, Lou is running unopposed for a sixth term in 2022.
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He attributes his success and that of his department to consistently hiring the right people for the job over the years. Those ongoing efforts have built the Sheriff’s Office into what it is today.
In his upcoming term, Lou plans to continue adding to that strong foundation constructed over the past two decades. Top priorities include maintaining continuity within the Sheriff’s Office, continuing to foster professionalism in the department and fighting to keep our constitutional rights. Lou firmly believes in preserving, supporting and defending our independent way of life in Garfield County without government intrusion in every aspect of it.
Jackie Harmon, Garfield County Clerk and Recorder
A Garfield County resident for 28 years, Jackie Harmon is a wife, mother of three and grandmom to six. For the past 23 years, she has worked in the Garfield County Clerk’s office, and before that for four years with the Pitkin County Clerk & Recorder. Well qualified with 25+ years of experience, Jackie was elected Garfield County Clerk & Recorder in 2022.
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Jackie is election certified by the Secretary of State and has been part of the team that supports election integrity in Garfield County. She is also certified in Vital Records by the State of Colorado. Additionally, she has worked with the Department of Revenue to develop the 2018 DRIVES project, a more user-friendly motor vehicle computer system that ensures reliable, accurate and integrated solutions for drivers and vehicle services.
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As your County Clerk and Recorder, Jackie maintains high quality customer service and the integrity of elections. Among her goals, Jackie plans to provide training where needed to create a strong, successful office of team players who are confident and highly qualified to serve the public.
Carrie Couey, Treasurer
Carrie Couey is a woman on a mission. The mother of six, a cattle rancher in Silt and current Garfield County Treasurer, Couey knows how to optimize her time and talent to get the job done. Whether she’s helping her husband of 24 years deliver a calf in the middle of the night or she’s on the job as Garfield County Treasurer working to improve customer service, getting the job done competently and efficiently is part of her DNA. Elected in 2022 as Garfield County Treasurer, Couey is responsible for collecting, safekeeping and dispersing public funds. Monies are collected through property taxes and used to provide countywide services.
With her education and business background, Couey is a perfect fit for Garfield County Treasurer, both now and in the future. In addition to professional management experience and training in accounting, she holds an executive master’s degree in organizational leadership with a specialty in public and non-profit management.Carrie has the stability, consistency, education, and work experience to continue to produce results for the citizens of Garfield County.
Ben Sollars, District Attorney
Elected in 2024, Ben is the District Attorney in the 9th Judicial District. With over two decades of experience as a prosecutor, he brings passion for justice, unwavering commitment to public safety, and a servant- leadership approach to the forefront of our community.
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The safety of our community is paramount. I am committed to implementing comprehensive strategies that prioritize the safety and well-being of every resident. By collaborating with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders, I aim to create an environment where everyone will feel secure.
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I firmly believe in a victim-centered approach to prosecution and leadership. Empathy and compassion must be at the forefront when addressing the needs of those who have experienced harm. By placing victims at the center of our efforts, we prioritize victim well-being, build trust and support, and minimize re-traumatization.
State Officials
Marc Catlin, State Senator District 5
Marc Catlin is the e Colorado State Senator for District 5 (SD5). Senate District 5 is comprised of 7 counties: Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, and Pitkin counties.
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Marc was born and raised in Montrose, Colorado, where he has spent most of his life on the family farm. The 5th District has always been his home.
From the farm, Marc’s love for water and water issues arose. He spent most of his adult career in water. Marc committed nearly 20 years at the Uncompahgre Water Users Association, dedicating half of that as the manager. After the Water Users, Marc become the Water Rights Coordinator for Montrose County. Marc Catlin’s dedication to understanding Colorado’s and the western United States’ most vital resource has distinguished him as Colorado’s State Legislature’s water issues expert.
Ray Scott, University of Colorado Board of Regents, Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District
Regent Ray Scott was elected in November 2024 to represent Colorado’s third congressional district, which includes twenty-seven counties in western Colorado, including Pueblo County on the eastern slope.
Scott has extensive experience in small business development, having owned several businesses in logistics, land development, software development, oil and gas consulting, and heavy civil construction consulting. He is currently the President of the Industrial Property Owners Consortium based in Adams County.
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Scott served in the Colorado General Assembly for twelve years, where he spent four years in the House of Representatives and eight years in the Senate. Scott and his wife, Roxie, reside in Grand Junction and also spend time at their family farm in Parachute. He enjoys fly fishing, camping, and spending time with his two daughters and grandchildren.
