Danny R. Fish for Governor of Colorado

🚨 A Big Announcement Is Coming! 🚨

Something exciting and new is coming to the Danny R. Fish campaign for Colorado Governor!

Over the next month, we'll be sharing more about the next chapter of our campaign, including the official introduction of the individual who will join Danny R. Fish as our candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

First, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all of the Colorado gubernatorial candidates who participated in the June 30, 2026, primary elections. Running for public office requires dedication, sacrifice, and a commitment to serving the people of Colorado. I wish each candidate the very best as we move into the General Election campaign.

Together, we'll present a vision focused on practical leadership, accountability, and real solutions for the people of Colorado.
As we enter the final five months leading up to the November 3, 2026, General Election, our campaign is expanding our outreach across the state. You'll begin seeing more postcards, text messages, flyers, digital outreach, and community events as we connect with fellow Coloradans and share our vision for Colorado's future.

Over the next five months, our campaign will also be placing more advertisements, increasing campaign visits to communities across Colorado, hosting additional town halls, attending local events, and meeting directly with voters. We want to hear from Coloradans in every corner of our state because the best ideas come from listening to the people we hope to serve.

Danny R. Fish will be a write-in candidate for Colorado Governor in the November 3, 2026, General Election. Over the coming months, our campaign team will be working to increase awareness across Colorado about the write-in voting process and remind voters that they will need to write Danny R. Fish in the write-in section of their ballot if they choose to support our campaign. We will also provide educational information to help voters understand how to cast a valid write-in vote by following the instructions on their official ballot.

Our campaign looks forward to participating in a spirited and respectful election with the other candidates seeking to lead our state. We look forward to running against Phil Weiser, the Democratic Party's candidate for Governor. We also look forward to running against either Victor Marx or Barb Kirkmeyer, depending on who is selected as the Republican Party's nominee. We also welcome the opportunity to run alongside Jeff Peck, the Unity Party's candidate for Governor. While we may have different ideas about Colorado's future, we believe voters deserve an election focused on issues, solutions, and respectful dialogue.

We're building a team committed to putting Colorado families, businesses, and communities first—and we're just getting started.
Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we introduce our Lieutenant Governor candidate, announce new campaign initiatives, and continue building a grassroots movement focused on solutions, transparency, and opportunity for every Coloradan.

The future of Colorado starts with all of us. Join the movement and help us move Colorado forward.

Danny R. Fish
Colorado Forward Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Governor of Colorado. (Write-In Candidate)

Media Contact:
Danny R Fish for Colorado Governor
[email protected]

🇺🇸 This Independence Day, a New Movement Begins. 🇺🇸

On July 4, 2026, I'm proud to announce the official launch of Keep Colorado Constitutional.

This is more than an organization—it's a grassroots movement dedicated to protecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Colorado Constitution while bringing Coloradans together to build a stronger future.

Colorado doesn't belong to one political party. It belongs to the people. Real change happens when citizens become involved, volunteer in their communities, hold elected officials accountable, and work together to solve problems.

Whether you're a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Colorado Forward Party member, Libertarian, Unity Party member, or simply someone who loves Colorado, Keep Colorado Constitutional welcomes you. If you believe in constitutional government, individual liberty, personal responsibility, and preserving our state for future generations, there is a place for you.

✅ Membership is FREE.

By joining, you'll have opportunities to:

• Stay informed on issues affecting Colorado.
• Participate in community events and educational forums.
• Volunteer with grassroots initiatives.
• Help protect constitutional rights.
• Connect with fellow Coloradans who want to make a positive difference.

As a candidate for Governor, I believe meaningful change starts with the people—not politicians. This organization is about empowering everyday Coloradans to have a voice in shaping the future of our state.

If you're ready to help make Colorado stronger for our children, grandchildren, and future generations, I invite you to join us today.

🌐 Visit: https://keepcoloradoconstitutional.com

Together, we can preserve our freedoms, strengthen our communities, and ensure Colorado remains a place of opportunity for everyone.

If you have any questions about Keep Colorado Constitutional reach our to Rachel Suh, Founder directly by:

Email: [email protected]

Happy Independence Day, Colorado! On July 4th, 2026

God bless you, God bless Colorado, and God bless the United States of America.

Danny R. Fish
Colorado Forward Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Governor of Colorado.

Media Contact:
Danny R Fish for Colorado Governor
[email protected]

Colorado Forward Policy Framework

SNAP Payment Errors & Colorado’s $850 Million Budget Shortfall (2027 Plan)

Danny R. Fish for Governor 2026

Executive Summary

Colorado is facing two interconnected fiscal challenges:

An estimated $850 million state budget shortfall
Rising administrative inefficiencies in public benefit systems, including SNAP

At the same time, the USDA reports a SNAP payment error rate of 10.62%, reflecting significant administrative inaccuracies nationwide. While these errors are not fraud, they create overpayments, underpayments, compliance risks, and increased administrative costs.

If left unaddressed, these inefficiencies could expose Colorado to tens or potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in additional fiscal pressure over time, including potential federal cost-sharing requirements, penalties, and administrative burden.

This plan outlines a unified Colorado Forward strategy to:

Reduce SNAP payment errors
Modernize state systems
Prevent avoidable fiscal exposure
Address Colorado’s $850 million budget shortfall
Strengthen long-term economic stability without tax increases or service cuts

Section I: SNAP Reform and Program Integrity Strategy

1. Modernize Eligibility and Case Management Systems

Estimated Savings: $50–$100 Million

Colorado must replace outdated systems that contribute to high error rates.

Actions:

Implement unified statewide eligibility systems
Automate income and residency verification where allowed
Reduce manual data entry points
Integrate county, state, and federal data systems

Outcome:

Reduced administrative errors
Faster processing times
Improved compliance accuracy

2. Standardize SNAP Administration Across Counties

Estimated Savings: $25–$75 Million

County-by-county variation contributes to inconsistent outcomes.

Actions:

Establish statewide SNAP processing standards
Require uniform eligibility interpretation rules
Strengthen statewide audit protocols
Improve quality control oversight

Outcome:

More consistent benefit determinations
Reduced error variability
Increased accountability

3. Workforce Training and Retention Reform

Estimated Savings: $25–$50 Million

Human error remains a major driver of SNAP inaccuracies.

Actions:

Annual certification requirements for eligibility workers
Scenario-based training programs
Accuracy-based performance incentives
Retention programs to reduce turnover

Outcome:

Fewer processing errors
Stronger institutional knowledge
Improved service delivery

4. Real-Time Verification and Data Integration

Estimated Savings: $25–$75 Million

Modern verification tools reduce improper payments.

Actions:

Expand secure federal and state data sharing
Automate income verification updates
Strengthen identity verification systems
Use analytics to flag inconsistencies early

Outcome:

Reduced overpayments and underpayments
Lower corrective action costs
Improved program integrity

5. SNAP Accountability Dashboard

Estimated Savings: Indirect Fiscal Stabilization

Actions:

Publish quarterly county-level error rates
Track correction timelines
Identify high-performing vs. high-error counties
Increase transparency to the public

Outcome:

Greater accountability
Faster problem identification
Data-driven improvements

Section II: Colorado Budget Shortfall Reduction Strategy (2027)

Target: Reduce $850 Million Budget Gap Without Tax Increases

1. Government Efficiency and Waste Reduction Initiative

Estimated Savings: $150–$250 Million

Actions:

Full performance audit of state agencies
Eliminate duplicative programs
Review all funded vacancies
Reduce administrative overhead
Require outcome-based budgeting

2. Strategic Administrative Hiring Freeze

Estimated Savings: $75–$125 Million

Actions:

Freeze non-essential administrative hiring
Evaluate vacant positions before refill
Reassign staff to high-need services
Protect frontline service roles

3. Procurement and Contracting Reform

Estimated Savings: $75–$150 Million

Actions:

Audit major state contracts
Consolidate purchasing power
Renegotiate underperforming agreements
Eliminate unnecessary consulting contracts
Increase competitive bidding

4. Medicaid and Healthcare Cost Containment

Estimated Savings: $100–$200 Million

Actions:

Improve care coordination
Reduce administrative duplication
Expand preventative care programs
Strengthen fraud and waste prevention
Improve vendor oversight

5. Economic Growth and Revenue Expansion

Estimated Impact: $100–$300 Million

Actions:

Support small business growth
Streamline occupational licensing
Expand workforce development programs
Attract new employers and industries
Promote entrepreneurship
6. State Property and Asset Optimization

Estimated Savings: $25–$50 Million

Actions:

Inventory unused state assets
Consolidate office facilities
Sell surplus property
Expand shared-use government buildings

7. Fiscal Accountability Office (Independent Oversight)

Actions:

Track agency performance
Publish quarterly savings reports
Measure return on taxpayer investment
Recommend ongoing efficiency reforms
Combined Fiscal Impact
Conservative Estimate:

$575 Million in savings and revenue gains

Aggressive Estimate:

$850 Million to $1.2 Billion

This creates a realistic pathway to closing Colorado’s projected budget shortfall while improving government performance.

Conclusion

Colorado’s fiscal challenges—including SNAP payment errors and the $850 million budget shortfall—are symptoms of a broader issue: outdated systems, inefficiency, and lack of accountability.

The Colorado Forward approach focuses on:

Smarter government systems
Reduced administrative waste
Stronger program integrity
Economic growth
Fiscal responsibility

Colorado does not need higher taxes to fix its budget challenges—it needs better systems, better management, and better outcomes.

Colorado families balance their budgets every day. State government should do the same.

Danny R. Fish
Colorado Forward Party Candidate for Governor 2026

Media Contact:
Media Compliance Officer
[email protected]

Policy PDF Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wpu-DiIoA4QpD8PYJ77eygAAYWseuuSq/view

"Practical Leadership. Real Solutions. Colorado Forward."

🚨 Colorado Faces Two Major Challenges: Rising SNAP Error Rates $200 Million in penalties and an $850 Million Budget Shortfall 🚨

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything related to my campaign. During this time, I’ve been working on ways to give Colorado a stronger starting point in addressing our fiscal issues and budget shortfalls for the upcoming year, while also reviewing SNAP benefit challenges that will impact Colorado and Coloradans in 2027.

Colorado families are struggling with higher costs for groceries, housing, childcare, healthcare, and everyday necessities. At the same time, our state is facing an estimated $850 million budget shortfall, forcing difficult financial decisions that could impact critical services.

Adding to the concern, the USDA recently reported a national SNAP payment error rate of 10.62%, significantly above the federal threshold. These errors are generally administrative mistakes—not fraud—but they increase government costs, create inefficiencies, and can expose states to federal oversight and penalties.

In Colorado’s case, SNAP-related payment errors could potentially cost the state up to an additional $200 million, adding further pressure on top of the existing $850 million budget shortfall, all while the state is already managing consecutive budget deficits in recent fiscal cycles.

This issue is bigger than SNAP. It highlights a larger problem within government: outdated technology, inconsistent processes, insufficient training, and growing bureaucracy that costs taxpayers money while delivering inconsistent results.

As Governor, I believe Colorado can protect vulnerable families, reduce waste, improve accountability, and balance our budget responsibly without raising taxes or cutting essential services.

My Colorado Forward Plan includes:

✅ Modernizing state technology systems to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
✅ Strengthening workforce training and accountability for state employees.
✅ Conducting a top-to-bottom Government Efficiency Audit to identify waste, duplication, and unnecessary spending.
✅ Establishing a Colorado Benefits Accuracy Task Force to improve program performance and reduce costly administrative mistakes.
✅ Launching a statewide Program Integrity Initiative to ensure taxpayer dollars reach their intended purpose.
✅ Growing Colorado’s economy by supporting small businesses, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
✅ Protecting essential services such as public safety, childcare, mental health programs, veteran services, senior services, and services for individuals with disabilities.

Colorado families balance their household budgets every day. State government should do the same.

The solution is not bigger government or smaller government. The solution is better government.

Together, we can build a Colorado that is fiscally responsible, transparent, accountable, and focused on results—not politics.

Closing Statement

"Colorado families balance their budgets every day. State government should do the same. By reducing waste, improving accountability, modernizing government systems, and growing our economy, we can protect essential services while addressing Colorado's $850 million budget shortfall and the $200 Million SNAP Benefits error penalties. It's time for practical leadership focused on solutions—not politics."

Danny R. Fish
Colorado Forward Party Candidate for Governor
November 3, 2026

Media Contact:
Media Compliance Officer
[email protected]

"Practical Leadership. Real Solutions. Colorado Forward."



News Media Post: https://www.denverpost.com/2026/06/24/snap-errors-explained/

Taking One Step Forward: Chasing Dreams, Building a Legacy, and Serving Colorado

Many people know me from my work in business, community service, and my efforts to become Colorado's next Governor. What some may not know is that one of my greatest passions has always been cooking.

Today, I'm excited to share that I am once again competing in the Carla Hall Favorite Chef Competition. This is my fourth year participating, and every year has taught me something valuable about perseverance, determination, and believing in yourself.

Over the years, I've typically finished in 6th or 7th place. While I haven't brought home the top prize, I still consider every year a victory. Why? Because I took a step forward. I challenged myself. I pursued a dream.

One of the lessons I've learned in life is that anyone can pursue their dreams if they are willing to take that first step forward. Success isn't always measured by a trophy, a title, or a final result.

Sometimes success is simply having the courage to try, to grow, and to keep going when others might quit.

That same mindset is what drives me as I continue actively pursuing my candidacy for Governor of Colorado. Whether it's competing in a national chef competition, building businesses, serving my community, or running for public office, I've never been afraid to work hard for something I believe in.

Food has a unique way of bringing people together. Whether it's around a family table, at a community gathering, or through a fine dining experience, food creates conversations and connections. Those same values of bringing people together are at the heart of my vision for Colorado.

As I continue this journey, my focus remains on the issues that matter most to Coloradans: lowering the cost of living, supporting small businesses, strengthening public safety, creating economic opportunities, and ensuring government works for the people.

More importantly, every day I strive to build something bigger than myself. I want to create a legacy that my children can be proud of and that my grandchildren will one day look back on and see. I want them to know that their father and grandfather never stopped chasing his dreams, never stopped serving his community, and never stopped believing that one person can make a difference.

Whether I win the Favorite Chef Competition or not, I am grateful for the opportunity to participate, to grow, and to share my passion with others. Every year I enter because I believe dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how many attempts it takes.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. Your encouragement, your votes, your friendship, and your belief in what we're building mean more than I can express.

If you'd like to support me in the Carla Hall Favorite Chef Competition, I would be honored to have your vote. And if you believe Colorado deserves leadership focused on solutions, unity, and opportunity, I hope you'll continue supporting my campaign for Governor.

Never stop pursuing your dreams. Sometimes all it takes is one step forward to begin a journey that changes your life.

Danny R. Fish
Colorado Forward Party
Candidate for Colorado Governor

Media Contact:
Danny R Fish for Colorado Governor
[email protected]



















































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Is Danny R Fish your Favorite Chef? One chef will win $25k, a feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.

A Governor's Duty Is to the People, Not Political Agendas

One of the questions I hear most often on the campaign trail is: "How will you work with a legislature that may not share your values?"

My answer is simple: I will always work with anyone who is willing to put Colorado first, respect the Constitution, and serve the people with integrity.

If the voters elect a conservative governor, that election is more than a political victory—it is a clear message from the people about the direction they want our state to take. That message deserves to be heard and respected.

As Governor, my responsibility will not be to compromise away the principles that Colorado voters entrusted me to defend. My responsibility will be to uphold the Constitution, protect individual liberty, ensure government accountability, and stand up for hardworking families across our state.

I will support legislation that strengthens Colorado and benefits its citizens. I will oppose and veto legislation that expands government overreach, undermines constitutional rights, or moves our state in the wrong direction.

The goal should not be partisan politics. The goal should be effective governance that reflects the will of the people.
Colorado's government exists to serve its citizens—not special interests, political agendas, or party leadership.

I will remain committed to the people of Colorado, faithful to the Constitution, and steadfast in the principles that guide this campaign.

Leadership requires conviction. Colorado deserves a governor who will stand firm when it matters most.

Danny R Fish
Colorado Forward Party
Candidate for Colorado Governor

Media Contact:
Danny R Fish for Colorado Governor
[email protected]

Call for Inclusive Gubernatorial Forums and Equal Candidate Access in Colorado

While it is disappointing that you (Scott Bottoms) were unable to attend the Downtown Denver Partnership Gubernatorial Forum today, access to these events should ideally be consistent and transparent for all qualified candidates.

That said, this raises a broader point about inclusivity in the electoral process. There are more candidates running for governor than just those from the Republican and Democratic parties, and many of us would welcome the opportunity to participate in forums alongside all contenders. As a Colorado Forward Party candidate, I believe voters benefit when they can hear a full range of platforms and ideas. I’m confident that other independent and unaffiliated candidates, including Rachel Sunshine and others, would also value the chance to engage in these discussions.

It is worth remembering that Colorado’s electorate is now largely unaffiliated, and many voters are looking beyond the traditional two-party framework for solutions and representation.

Plus, after listening to all the political theater and rhetoric from both of you and Barb Kirkmeyer, I believe that myself and other gubernatorial candidates would welcome the opportunity to be included in these forums with you to have a more complete and substantive conversation about our respective agendas for Colorado.

At the same time, it is difficult to understand why minor party candidates, independent candidates, and unaffiliated candidates are excluded from participation, especially if the forum is intended to reflect the full scope of Colorado’s gubernatorial race. If access is limited in a way that only includes Republican candidates or Democratic candidates, it raises serious questions about fairness and representation in the democratic process. Where is the democracy in that, Pastor Bottoms? That is a question worth asking—and answering honestly.

I’ve said it over and over again, time and time again, that we all need to fight for Colorado together. But at the end of the day, there can only be one elected governor for Colorado. That reality means that while competition is necessary, it also means that valuable ideas from every candidate risk being left behind after the November 2026 election. Many of those ideas could meaningfully benefit our state, yet instead they often go unimplemented and forgotten once the campaign ends.

Pastor Bottoms, you, Victor Marx, Barb Kirkmeyer, and many Democratic gubernatorial candidates need to look beyond your own square of safety and recognize that there are other candidates actively running in the Colorado governor’s race who deserve to be part of the conversation. You are not the only ones running for governor of Colorado. I also have to say openly that the rhetoric coming from Republican gubernatorial candidates is just as concerning and unproductive as the rhetoric coming from Democratic gubernatorial candidates.

Healthy political competition should focus less on partisan back-and-forth and more on meaningful engagement with the issues that matter to Coloradans in 2026.

Danny R. Fish
Colorado Forward Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Governor of Colorado.

Media Contact:
Danny R Fish for Colorado Governor
[email protected]

Transparency Notice: This statement reflects the personal views shared on Scott Bottoms’ page by Danny R. Fish, Colorado Forward Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Governor of Colorado, regarding Scott Bottoms not getting to attend the Downtown Denver Partnership Gubernatorial Forum today, and concerns that minor party candidates, independent candidates, and unaffiliated candidates are often excluded from participation, especially when forums are intended to reflect the full scope of Colorado’s gubernatorial race.

STATE OF REMEMBRANCE PROCLAMATION
In Honor of Layla Ladd

By Danny R. Fish
Colorado Forward Party Candidate for Governor of Colorado

WHEREAS, every child’s life holds inherent value, purpose, and the promise of a future yet to be fulfilled; and

WHEREAS, the tragic passing of Layla Ladd in 2023 profoundly affected her family, classmates, friends, and the broader community of Glasgow, Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, Layla Ladd was a young student whose life was cut short far too soon, leaving behind cherished memories that continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her; and

WHEREAS, the 2026 graduation season at Glasgow High School stands as both a celebration of academic achievement and personal growth, and also a solemn reminder of a student who should have had the opportunity to walk alongside her classmates into this milestone; and

WHEREAS, remembrance, compassion, dignity, and community support remain essential values during times of grief, loss, and collective mourning; and

WHEREAS, communities across the nation are encouraged to continue fostering awareness around student safety, preparedness, and the importance of honoring and remembering young lives lost too soon;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Danny R. Fish, Colorado Forward Party Candidate for Governor of Colorado, do hereby issue this proclamation in honor and remembrance of Layla Ladd, and respectfully encourage all individuals, families, schools, and communities to observe a moment of silence in recognition of her life and memory.

BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that this remembrance is not intended to assign blame or determine legal responsibility, but rather to honor a young life, promote compassion, and encourage ongoing awareness of the safety and well-being of all students.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this proclamation is shared in memory of Layla Ladd, with heartfelt condolences extended to her family, classmates, and all who continue to grieve her loss.

🕊️ Forever Loved. Forever Remembered.
Layla Ladd
Class of 2026

A Call to Every Candidate and Community Leader: Stand With the Ladd Family and Share Layla’s Story

To every Colorado candidate, elected official, community advocate, and public servant connected to my page:

I respectfully ask that you take a moment to share the story of Layla Ladd across your pages and any other campaign or public platforms you may have available.

This is not just about one child from Glasgow, Kentucky. This is about every child, every parent, and every community across this country. The tragic death of a 14-year-old student at Glasgow High School in 2023 has left a family searching for answers, closure, and peace — something any parent in America would want if faced with such an unimaginable loss.

As candidates and public figures, we have the ability to reach far beyond our own communities and states. Our voices and platforms can help bring awareness, encourage meaningful conversations about student safety, and support a family that continues to seek understanding surrounding Layla’s death.

This should never be viewed as political. This is about humanity, compassion, accountability, and ensuring that tragedies like this never happen again in any school, in any state, to any child.

I encourage each of you to help amplify Layla’s story by sharing the message, standing in support of the Ladd family, and helping bring continued awareness to this tragedy. The more people who see and share Layla’s story, the greater the possibility for answers, transparency, and stronger protections for students moving forward.

Let’s stand together as one community — regardless of state, background, or political affiliation — and help support this family in their time of need. Sometimes the greatest thing we can do as human beings is simply stand beside those who are hurting and help ensure their voices are heard.

Layla’s life mattered. Her memory matters. And her family deserves to know that people across this country care.

Please share.

Danny R. Fish
Colorado Forward Party
Candidate for Colorado Governor

Media Contact:
Danny R. Fish for Colorado Governor
[email protected]

Transparency Notice:

This statement is shared solely for the purpose of expressing personal concern, remembrance, and community awareness regarding a tragic loss. It is not intended, directly or indirectly, to promote, advance, or seek support for my political campaign, candidacy, or political office. Danny R. Fish is not seeking votes, endorsements, or political support of any kind through this post. The intent is strictly to encourage compassion, community dialogue, and awareness around student safety and support for the family involved.