Dana Charles and Aaron Gutierrez, both fourth generation Coloradan’s, square off for the State Senator District 3 position. Here is their interview. Ladies first.
Brief Biography: Dana Charles: I am a fourthgeneration Coloradan and lifelong Pueblo County resident. I am a wife, a mom; and together my husband Greg and I have four children. My brother, who has Down Syndrome, is one of the most important people in my life. I have worked in the healthcare industry for almost 25 years and had a career in real estate/ development prior. I served numerous boards and commissions in the last 28 years, gaining valuable insight into our region’s future and a deeper understanding of our community’s needs. I am proud of my Italian heritage and appreciate Pueblo’s cultural diversity.
Aaron Gutierrez: I’m a fourthgeneration Puebloan, attorney, former Deputy Public Defender, and brain cancer survivor. Raised right here in Southern Colorado, I’ve served our community from the Pueblo Veteran’s Treatment Court to local small business ownership. My life has taught me grit, resilience, and the value of fighting for working families.
Why did you decide to run for State Senator, District 3?
Dana Charles: I was tired of increasing taxes and fees, Colorado’s rising cost of living, and unrelenting crime. I saw a need for a balanced voice at the table, and those who purport to represent Pueblo were voting very differently when crossing into Denver. My husband and I have four children in their 20’s and for the first time in my family’s history, they may not be able to stay in Colorado as it’s become unaffordable.
Aaron Gutierrez: I’m running because Southern Colorado deserves a strong, dedicated voice in Denver who understands our unique struggles and strengths. Having faced down a life-threatening illness, served our justice system, and raised my family here, I know the real-world impact state policies have on our neighbors. We need leadership that focuses on practical solutions— protecting our water rights, bringing back good-paying jobs, making healthcare affordable, and keeping our neighborhood streets safe. I’m running to deliver results, not partisan noise, for the community that made me who I am.
What is the most important issue facing District 3?
Dana Charles: Crime and safety. The latest complete crime figures, covering 2025 and published in 2026, show Colorado’s statewide violent crime rate nearly 23 percent higher than in 2016! Over the past decade, Democrats have held the governor’s office and the Colorado House. Since January 2019, they’ve controlled all three. Protecting victims. Keeping families safe. Pueblo families deserve safer neighborhoods and accountability from their elected leaders. As a mom and lifelong Pueblo community member, I know you deserve a voice in the Colorado State Legislature.
Aaron Gutierrez: The aftermath of the Aspen Acres Fire and long-term disaster recovery are the defining challenges for our district. The loss of hundreds of homes and community landmarks in Beulah, Rye, and surrounding areas demands sustained action. In the Senate, I will secure state relief funds to rebuild critical infrastructure, repair burn scars to prevent flash flooding, and hold power utilities accountable for grid safety. I’ll also fight to make homeowner’s insurance accessible and affordable so families affected by wildfires aren't priced out or left behind during recovery.
What is the second most important issue?
Dana Charles: Cost of living and affordability. The latest statewide federal data show consumer prices rose more than 26 percent between 2016 and 2024. Over the past decade, Democrats have held the governor’s office and the Colorado House. Since January 2019, they’ve controlled all three. Groceries, housing, everyday expenses. Pueblo families deserve affordability and accountability from their elected leaders. That is not what we are getting, and from the endorsements I see my opponent receiving, that is not anything we can expect. The contrast between us is also a reality.
Aaron Gutierrez: The economy and rising cost of living—especially healthcare and housing—is squeezing working families across Pueblo and rural Pueblo West. As a brain cancer survivor, I’ve felt the anxiety of medical bills firsthand. In the Senate, I’ll work to lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicaid access, and strengthen our state public option so no family goes bankrupt over illness. I will also cut red tape for small businesses, bring high-paying jobs to Southern Colorado, and expand affordable housing incentives to ensure our young people and retirees can afford to live and thrive right here at home.
What is the third most important issue?
Dana Charles: Since I entered this race in February 2025, crime and safety and affordability have consistently been the top two issues. The third priority has shifted throughout the campaign among rural healthcare, concerns surrounding the Aspen Acres Fire, and education. Each has emerged at different points as an important concern for the communities I hope to represent.
Aaron Gutierrez: Public safety and fixing our justice system are crucial for our neighborhoods to thrive. Drawing on my experience as a former public defender and my work with the Pueblo Veteran’s Treatment Court, I know true public safety requires both accountability and smart prevention. I’ll fight to secure resources for local law enforcement to tackle violent crime and drugs while expanding mental health crisis care and addiction recovery services. By funding proven diversion programs and reducing recidivism, we can address the root causes of crime, support victims, and keep our community safe for everyone.
What else do you want voters to know about you?
Dana Charles: I am a Pueblo County first candidate, focused on doing what’s right for our people. I aim to bring balance back to the legislature with a laser focus on Pueblo’s needs. I refuse to accept that single party rule is the only way to be effective. Balance matters. I will not buckle to Denver extremists. This race is not about being a Republican or Democrat. It’s about doing what’s right for Pueblo County, Senate District 3.
Aaron Gutierrez: I want voters to know that my commitment to District 3 is deeply personal. My roots here run four generations deep, and my career has been dedicated to standing up for people during their toughest moments. Whether helping neighbors rebuild after the Aspen Acres Fire, working in local philanthropy, or fighting in the courtroom, I focus on uniting people to solve hard problems. I bring both policy expertise and real-life experience to this role. I won’t just vote the right way—I will fight every day to ensure Denver delivers the resources Southern Colorado deserves.
