By Jen Schumann | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has positioned himself as a defender of state autonomy.
He launched the Governors Safeguarding Democracy (GSD) Coalition with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker. The coalition aims to fight federal overreach under a second Trump administration. Polis seeks to be seen as a champion of democracy.
“In this moment, protecting democracy has never been more relevant or important, and doing so demands strong leadership at the state level,” Polis said in his press release announcing the coalition.
A closer look at Polis’s tenure reveals a different story. He has used his authority as governor to enforce contentious policies. Critics say these policies mirror the federal overreach he opposes. With rising crime and failed recall attempts, Polis’ leadership is in question.
Polis faced heavy criticism for using emergency powers during COVID-19. Opponents saw his mandates, like closures and mask rules, as excessive. This contributed to a 2020 recall effort. Critics argued that these measures sidelined the legislature and infringed on personal liberties. And this from a governor who has claimed to be Libertarian.
Beyond the pandemic, Polis has been accused of bypassing Colorado’s legislature. This concerns federal fund allocation and controversial policies. These include the National Popular Vote Compact and stricter oil and gas regulations. These decisions were key to a 2019 recall attempt. It failed, but showed discontent with his leadership style.
Under Polis’ leadership, Coloradans have seen violent crime rates have soar to levels not seen since 1995.
Despite a $113 million public safety plan, critics say Democratic policies have weakened the police’s ability to fight crime. This record is at odds with Polis’ claims of prioritizing public safety and state decision-making.
During President Trump’s first term, Polis opposed federal policies. He restricted state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. He also boosted environmental protections in response to Trump’s rollbacks.
Critics also say Polis’ 2023 and 2024 gun laws violate the 2nd Amendment. They imposed sweeping restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. The 2023 laws limit access to firearms without due process. They raised the legal age for firearm purchases to 21, which has been temporarily blocked by a federal court.
He also signed a law imposing a three-day waiting period for purchasing a firearm and expanded red flag laws.
The 2024 laws added to these concerns. They banned ghost guns, required safe storage, enforced stricter background checks and heavily regulated precursor parts. Further measures restrict the public’s right to bear arms. They limit firearms in public spaces, impose concealed carry limits and ban gun ownership for some domestic violence offenders.
These actions were popular with progressives. But, they showed Polis’ willingness to impose strict state controls when federal policies clashed with his agenda.
However, Polis says his new role as co-chair of GSD will protect state autonomy and democracy.
In a recent interview with CPR, Polis addressed President Trump’s proposed “Operation Aurora.” It’s aimed at deporting illegal immigrants, especially gang members. Polis expressed concerns about the initiative. “We need to ensure that our immigration policies are humane and just, focusing on public safety without resorting to broad, indiscriminate actions that can harm communities and families,” he said.
Polis stressed the need for state-level decisions on immigration. He noted Colorado’s aim to protect residents’ rights while ensuring public safety. He criticized federal overreach in this area. He argued it can erode trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, making them less safe.
This stance aligns with Polis’ broader governance approach. He advocates for state autonomy and tailored solutions to complex issues, like immigration. Critics see irony in his position. He opposes federal overreach, but his administration called fears of gang activity a figment of the imagination.
Polis asserts that the Governors Safeguarding Democracy Coalition will “avoid anything overtly partisan.” Given his record of pursuing progressive policies in Colorado, critics might be skeptical of this statement.
It may seem more about building a coalition of power to oppose the people’s choice to re-elect President Trump.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.