By Adam Howell | Press for Transparency
An illegal election campaign contribution from Durango School District 9-R towards one of its school board members is the subject of a lawsuit filed by Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser on behalf of the Elections Division of the Secretary of State.
The problem of electoral advocacy arose after Katie Stewart – a member of the Durango School District 9-R Board of Education – had announced her candidacy for the General Assembly in House District 59.
Earlier this year, questions arose about whether Stewart was capable of serving on both the General Assembly and the school district at the same time. Also in question is the legality of serving both positions at the same time.
However, it was in January 2024 when the Durango School District 9-R used public time and resources to draft a letter on behalf of Katie Stewart, a candidate for the Colorado General Assembly, according to the complaint.