By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
With the Colorado GOP Chair race heating up, more candidates have weighed in on the party’s future. When we first posed these questions, Brita Horn was the sole candidate to reply. Now, Darcy Schoening and Kevin McCarney have shared their perspectives, offering distinct strategies on voter outreach, fundraising and Proposition 108. We have not received answers from Jeremy Goodall, Richard Holtorf, or Lori Saine.
As the March 29 election nears, their responses shed light on how each plans to rebuild and strengthen the party in a challenging political landscape.
Why are you running for Chair?
Darcy Schoening: I am running for Chair because winning starts locally—and right now, the Colorado GOP lacks the infrastructure, training, and strategic vision to turn our state red again. My Build our Bench Initiative (BoB) has already secured resources and donor pledges to support school board, city council, and county commission races, ensuring Republicans have the tools to win from the ground up and grow our next generation of leaders. This includes connecting these conservative community leaders with training and mentorship and working hand-in-hand with Young Republicans and grassroots organizations to develop our state’s future GOP leaders.
Beyond elections, education is our battlefield. I’ve fought tirelessly against the radical Left’s agenda in our schools, from exposing harmful curriculum to holding school boards accountable when they push gender ideology. With President Trump’s return to office and a stronger federal government, we have a true opportunity to restore sanity in Colorado’s classrooms and protect parental rights like never before. The path to victory is clear: expand our donor network, invest in technology, close our primaries, and engage with Unaffiliated voters, Hispanic voters, black voters, and LGB voters in their communities. Our Colorado GOP is for everyone who wants to uphold our values.
Republicans deserve and need a bold, strategic leader—one who isn’t afraid to face tough questions, challenge the media, and take our fight everywhere. I’m ready to lead, and I’m ready to win.
Kevin McCarney: I am running for State Chair because the GOP needs to be led in a different direction. We need to build the Trump Coalition in Colorado, which we failed to do in 2024. We have a real opportunity in 2026 to win the Governor’s seat, but it will not happen under the current direction.
The GOP needs to turn to the future and not be tied down by the past. We need to turn to Colorado First, using Colorado answers to our Problems. How can we be America First when we can not win in Colorado?
Mark Morris: I have been frustrated and disappointed with State Party leadership for years. In many respects the Chair is a thankless, no-win, even miserable role for anyone to take on —all know the challenges for Conservatism in Colorado are immense. However, in my view, the policies, actions, decisions and rhetoric of current leadership have led us far away from the core values many of us hold so dear. Our party is more fractured than ever…the word shambles describes it, with kindness. Our brand has been severely damaged. The RNC has washed its hands of us. Major donors are withholding massive financial support waiting for dynamic, invigorated competent management. And worst of all…the Dems feast on these facts! There have been some gains despite the lack of sound leadership.
But all is not lost…a new Sheriff is swiftly riding our way…and he’s calling for a clean sweep of the old! I am that Sheriff. I am the new blood that is so desperately needed. I will install statesmanship, dignity, honor and integrity to our State Party Chairmanship, and inspire others to embrace those noble ideals. I will restore and relaunch the Party to achieve greater success than ever before.
What are your specific qualifications and experience that apply to this position?
Darcy Schoening: I have demonstrated through my hard work as Director of Special Initiatives for the Colorado GOP that I am a natural leader ready for this position, and I have a proven track record of leading efforts with tangible results. In this role, I successfully brought together long-time donors, general election candidates, and grassroots organizations for a coordinated, state-based campaign infrastructure that resulted in the first net-wins for our party in several years. And that structure is ready and waiting to aid us going into 2025 and beyond.
Additionally, I have created and passed local policies for school boards, city councils, and counties to protect families and children from awful laws passed by the Democrats in the Colorado legislature. I am the only candidate in this race that successfully led efforts to opt school districts out of harmful legislation like HB 1003 and HB 1039, and I’ve organized efforts to remove progressive curriculum from classrooms statewide.
Finally, one of my greatest strengths is my ability to bring diverse groups together to achieve common goals—an absolutely crucial skill for bringing our party together and moving Colorado back into the red column. My experience leading change, combined with my passion for our state and our Republican party, makes me uniquely qualified to be the next Chair of the Colorado GOP.
Kevin McCarney: I have been fighting for Colorado and the Colorado GOP for years. I was called the ‘Conservatives’ Conservative’ in 2017. My experience is such. I was the leader of the Western Slope Conservative Alliance/Freedom Colorado TEA Party from 2011 to 2018. I was the 2nd Vice Chair for the Mesa County GOP from 2011-2013. Was the Trump Chair for Mesa County in 2016. I was the Chair for the Mesa County GOP from 2019-2023. Many of our ideas were used during the CoVid crisis as the example of how to run a County Convention. In my 4 years our County raised over $325,000. I turned the GOP office into a Fund Raising Center. Our fund raising allowed us to turn the Mesa County School Board from Blue to solid Red.
Mike Morris: I’ve been a leader my entire adult life in business, government, church and politics:
8 years as a professional touring musician and recording artist.
9 years with USDA/Forest Service, Division of Engineering. 4 years municipal Police Officer.
9 years Dir. of Marketing, TEI International, Consulting Engineers
3 years President/CEO, Scientific NRG
3 years in Christian Radio.
25 years as a Christian minister concurrent with above. I am currently an ordained Pastor serving in a local church as the Outreach Pastor to churches and ministries statewide. I am also a published author.
In the political realm I have always found great satisfaction in identifying, supporting and helping to elect conservative candidates to public office. I’ve volunteered on several US Presidential Campaigns (Reagan, Gingrich, Bush, Bush and Trump), several US Congressional Campaigns (Vucanovich, NV, Gowdy, SC, Walden, OR, Evans, CO) two US Senate Campaigns (Seymour, CA ,Graham, SC) and numerous school board, city council and county commissioner campaigns in 5 States.
I am a team builder, persuader, and consummate exemplar of how taking the high road in love, life, the pursuit of American constitutional principles, and the art and war of politics is the only best way forward.
What differentiates you from those you are running against?
Darcy Schoening: What sets me apart from the other candidates is absolute, 100-percent authenticity. People know me; I don’t just waste people’s time with pleasantries and platitudes. They know me because I get down to business and get the real work done. That’s what the Colorado GOP needs. I am the only candidate with a proven, actionable plan that is already delivering results. While others talk about rebuilding the party, I’ve already received nearly $200,000 in donor commitments to support the Build our Bench Initiative. My strategy is not based on wishful thinking—it’s based on real fundraising, real infrastructure, and proven strategy that will lay the groundwork for long-term Republican victories across Colorado.
Additionally, I am the only candidate who is truly fearless when it comes to taking our message to every corner of this state. I don’t shy away from tough interviews or hostile audiences. Even with openly hostile journalists like Kyle Clark, or CNN. I have testified and stood for the 2nd Amendment, against BLM and the trans agenda in our schools, and many more issues-to bodies from school boards to Senate committees. If we are serious about winning, we cannot simply preach to the choir—we must go on the offensive and bring our fight to the media, the voters, and especially historically underrepresented communities for our party. If we want real results, we need real leadership—and that’s exactly what I bring to this race.
Kevin McCarney: I think the biggest differential between me and those running for the State Chair position is the fact I have not disappeared in this fight. I remain the same solid Conservative as I have always been. I am not in this to run for Congress or some other Office. My goal is success for the GOP. Because I opposed Dave Williams, I have been called any number of names, including RINO Traitor and others. Yet my stances and opinion remain the same. I believe that the GOP is the answer to many of the Crises facing Colorado. GOP principles are the answer.
Mike Morris: I am running against some good people, but every one of them is dragging baggage along with them. I believe I am the only candidate who can be the true change agent that is essential for such a time as this. Like Trump, I don’t owe anyone anything. And I will shake things up. No playing favorites. No bending the rules. A strict meritocracy. No excuses. ITS TIME.
What is your plan if elected?
Darcy Schoening: This is honestly the most exciting part of the job when I consider how much opportunity we have in front of us. First, we will launch the “Build our Bench” Initiative in tandem with our county parties and grassroots organizations by identifying, training, and supporting conservative candidates in local races across the state. The Colorado GOP will no longer be a bystander—we will actively provide campaign infrastructure, resources, and mentorship to local candidates to ensure they have the tools to win.
Second, we will invest in the party! I am already expanding our donor base, closing the technology gap, and creating a professional, data-driven political operation. I routinely discuss these issues with SCC members in person and on calls. Our party’s adoption and use of technology and digital platforms varies widely, and we have years of work to do. We will continue building on our donor momentum by growing contributions, while also increasing transparency on financial updates in order to ensure that members know exactly how their investments are being used to win elections.
Finally, we will win by going on offense. The Colorado GOP will stop playing defense—we will meet unaffiliated voters in their communities, work with our counties to communicate our party’s winning policies, while exposing the continued failures of Democrat leadership. Going on the offense also means closing our primaries as we continue the lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Proposition 108, giving our 930,000 Republicans their say in choosing their candidates. I am also actively exploring legislation to accomplish this goal. And most importantly, we will defend our victories. Winning elections is only part of the whole picture; we must work with our elected officials to protect their elected roles, ensuring Republicans secure victories for the long term.
This is not just a vision—it’s an action plan that I am already implementing. Under my leadership, the Colorado GOP will be a machine built for victory in 2025, 2026, and beyond.
Kevin McCarney: My plan if elected is to concentrate on the 900,000 Colorado Republicans, the ones who won those races for us last year. I want to lead those 900,000 to victory in 2026, not to remove them from the process or ignore them. They are the real grass roots of the Colorado GOP and are the ones our “Leadership” wants to remove from the Election process.
Mike Morris: I will be on the first plane to DC for a face to face with RNC Chairman Whatley. I will assure him that the Colorado Republican Party is back in good hands.
I will launch an intense personal campaign to reach out to donors waiting on the sidelines and win back their confidence that we are a not just a good investment but a great investment.
I will immediately invite the County Chairs to come together for a good old fashioned sit down to break bread and speak new life into the Grand Ol’ Party of Colorado. We have incredible people in the rank and file throughout the state. We must get it together at the State level to bring them what they need to be impactful, efficient and effective at the County level. This means tools, best practices and finances.
I will facilitate detente between some Faith and Secular elements within the party. And build a bridge that meets in the middle where we can be most effective working together as one united team fighting to reach our conservative goals. Of the candidates seeking the Chair, I believe I am the only one who can realistically accomplish this.
In consultation with several Hispanic Republican Organizations and leaders I will launch a massive, coordinated registration campaign/outreach to Hispanic communities in all 64 Counties. We must work hard to engage, immerse, inform, and inculcate the message that conservative values and policies do truly match up with the traditional Hispanic values of family and faith. And it is the right time, even in the midst of current events, to join the Republican fight for the soul of Colorado. This is crucial to the success of our Republican Party going forward.
I will stop all lawsuits against fellow Republicans NOW! And pledge to refrain from filing civil suits against outgoing leadership when no evidence of criminal acts is present. NO LAWFARE!
I will beef up $ in support of the “Lundberg” suit against the State of Colorado to repeal Prop 108.
I support the “opt out” of open primary for counties who wish to do so and will help raise funds to help “opt out” counties with any additional expense to do so.
Do you have a team selected, and if so, can you say who?
Darcy Schoening: I have been in talks with several people to join my team, and we are continuing the vetting process. However, announcing names now would be premature. I am focused on securing the chairmanship, while crafting a solid team that makes Colorado proud. What I can promise is that my team will be diverse, and we won’t all think the same. I want to maximize our effectiveness as an organization by building a team with diverse opinions on how to carry out the important work of the Colorado GOP.
Kevin McCarney: I am a part of no team. I believe the ability to work with those varying groups within the GOP are the real mark of leadership. We are going to need all those groups to win in Colorado.
Mike Morris: I have a team helping with my campaign for State Chair. Some of them may become part of my extended team as consultants, if I am elected. I am not presenting a slate for consideration of the electors. I believe each position should stand alone to be decided by the wisdom of the electors. I do strongly caution the electors against re-electing anyone associated with the outgoing leadership. I do seek a clean sweep! Having said that, as a man of God, my faith tells me that, just as His hand is on Donald Trump, so is His hand on these matters.
What will be your approach to raising money?
Darcy Schoening: As mentioned, we will continue to expand on the hard work started through the BoB initiative, raising funds for local and statewide candidates. We already have everyday people asking how they can personally contribute to BoB, but we’re holding off on that until after March 29. Going hand in hand with the initiative is the recruitment of good candidates as early as possible so they can set a solid strategic plan in motion for their campaigns. This also gives us time to introduce these candidates to donors, providing additional avenues for support directly to the candidate, versus the party. We will also continue ongoing programs such as Capitol Club as fundraising events.
Additionally, I will work with our counties and elected officials to seek joint fundraising committee opportunities. Finally, I will continue to meet privately with large traditional donors to the party both in Colorado and outside the state, bringing the necessary resources to the state to accomplish our primary mission of getting Republicans elected.
Kevin McCarney: Fundraising is the key. I made a mark in Mesa County to make sure to turn the Office into a fundraising machine. I worked hard to make sure that we had goods to sell that made it fun to shop at the Office. I gave the volunteers the Ability to come up with new fundraising goods. I do not believe the COGOP looks at this as a way to raise money.
I will also use the traditional means to raise money as well. I spent 5 years in not for profit fundraising. We need those traditional fundraising groups to become involved again.
Mike Morris: Ha! Well now, I don’t want my fellow candidates to piggyback on my best ideas. But let me say that my approach to raising money will be a multi-pronged strategy combining some traditional methods with some new and innovative ways to communicate and solicit funds. I will be personally/directly/ heavily involved in restoring trust with past and present donors. I and my team, along with some highly skilled consultants, will prioritize raising money for State Party Operating Funds, and for sharing out to help seed County Parties. And most important, to support Republican candidates at all levels of elected office. Always in strict compliance with applicable rules and laws.
How will you approach the media?
Darcy Schoening: Many Republicans simply shy away from engaging the media, even if its friendly, conservative leaning outlets. Other Republicans will cave to the media when asked the tough questions. I will approach the media the same way I always have–fearlessly and excitedly. Every media opportunity is a chance to advance our values and release our message to the state of Colorado. Most recently, I did not shy away from 9News with Kyle Clark on discussing the Chair race and my positions.
Notably, I signed up for the first time slot available for an interview so that the voters could see how skilled I am at handling leftist media. I took the same approach with CNN interviews last year in relation to our fights against Leftist indoctrination in our schools. The media has helped me win so many battles at the local level, and at no charge I might add. The Colorado Republican party will continue to use and work with media to spread our message, and the team I intend to enlist will have that experience and understanding.
Kevin McCarney: I will approach the media the same way I have always done. My door is open and I am willing to speak with anyone who is willing to speak with me.
Mike Morris: Very carefully. Seriously. The press is biased and media in general is not on our side, and will cast a dark cloud over us 90+ percent of the time. I will be the face and voice of the Party and vociferously communicate and fight for our beliefs and positions via social media and more traditional means. My experience in the music business as well as radio makes me particularly comfortable with interviews, Television and Radio opportunities. And I will make myself available whenever asked, but I will also push my way in at times even when I am not welcomed. I am friendly, but firm. I have a warriors heart, but I swing the sword of love.
The last two election cycles CO Republican turnout has been about 70% overall, how will you drive those 250,000 or so voters to vote in 2026?
Darcy Schoening: Driving those 250,000 voters to the polls in 2026 starts with filling every critical PCP position, especially in swing counties. Precinct leaders are the backbone of voter turnout, and they can make or break some campaigns. We will aggressively recruit PCP’s from grassroots organizations like DougCo Women and Young Republicans, as well as small business owners, parents, and even high school students. Democrat policies have devastated families and businesses. My leadership will help turn those frustrations into action by mobilizing new volunteers and voters who are ready for change.
The work to bring these voters to the polls doesn’t begin next July when the 2026 primary ends—it has to start now. My team is engaging the Republican voters to run for school boards and local offices in 2025. Those leaders will protect our families from the Colorado legislature while working with other elected officials to implement conservative policies and laws across Colorado. We will run a relentless voter contact and ballot chase operation year-round to ensure every Republican ballot is cast and counted. Issue-based messaging centered on our actual community outcomes (Denver vs. Castle Rock) involving school choice, crime, and the economy will energize our base. Targeted outreach will re-engage low-propensity voters. We will leverage technology, expand ballot harvesting efforts, and utilize every legal tool available to maximize turnout. The path to victory in 2026 is clear. We will engage, recruit, and mobilize voters at every level to take Colorado back.
Kevin McCarney: We need to make sure that we are representing the GOP and why our voters must make the choice on our Candidates. It is not up to the Chair to make those choices, it is up to the voters of the GOP.
Mike Morris: (Please revisit my discussion above about outreach to the Hispanic community.)
Much of my work in Colorado for the past few years has been about engaging the Church to awaken to its historic role in the formation of our country and engagement in civic life. In many ways I feel this has been my life’s work—waking up the church to engage in the culture and vote biblical values, which line up closely with the values espoused by our Party. Except for a few Southern States, voter turnout by the faith community has traditionally been on par with the secular vote. But, it is my belief and fervent hope that we are on the cusp of a great explosion of cultural engagement by a great spectrum of people of faith in America. Here at home there is more than enough “electoral potential in waiting” to flip the majority and turn Colorado RED! The Trump administration has made some exciting moves including the reopening of the “Office of Faith Base Initiatives” (under a new name) which I had the opportunity to engage with during the Bush Administration. If elected, I will use the good offices and gravitas of my position to raise our profile with this group to help with efforts to get out the Colorado church vote in 2026. I believe I am the only candidate for Chair that can do this.
The Unaffiliated voters break 60% D, 40% R. To win statewide again we need 300,000- 400,000 of the UD’s to come our way, what will be your approach?
Darcy Schoening: Winning over 300,000 to 400,000 unaffiliated voters starts with meeting them where they are…in their communities, talking about the issues that matter most to them. Too often, Republicans try to bring voters to us instead of taking our message to them. My approach is simple: connect unaffiliated voters to the real impact of Republican policies. We will highlight the stark contrast between failing Democrat-run cities like Denver—plagued by crime, high taxes, and failing schools—and successful Republican-led communities like Douglas County, where families thrive with safer streets, better schools, lower taxes, and a stronger economy.
We will launch localized outreach efforts tailored to UAF concerns, ensuring they see how Republican policies directly improve their lives. From small business roundtables to community safety forums, we will engage them in meaningful discussions long before election season. We will also modernize our data operations to track and target persuadable UAF voters with issue-specific messaging—whether it’s school choice, crime, or the cost of living. Republicans win when we make it clear that our policies create prosperity and security, and I will ensure we take that message directly to the voters who will decide the future of Colorado.
Kevin McCarney: We need to make sure that our message resonates with the UAF voters. Eliminating them from the process is not the answer. One winning message for the GOP is the stance on separation of Girls/Women’s Sports and Boys/Men’s Sports. I was a referee for CHSAA in Volleyball and Basketball. When I was elected as Chair in Mesa County, I ended my Refereeing Career. I did not return when I could because I did not agree with Men playing in Women’s sports.
There are a myriad range of issues like this that the GOP can make a stance on to bring more UAF voters into our fold.
Mike Morris: We could quibble about about those percentages, but here’s just one of my strategies. Younger voters are the gold vein in the mine of UVs. Another initiative I will launch in concert with Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA is a social media flood of clever messaging to 18-?s which broke in a surprising increase for Trump. This key indicator excites me to no end. I want the State Party to go after this in a big way and will exploit my relationships focused on the youth vote to the fullest extent possible.
What is your specific stance on voting to opt out of the primary (75% of central committee) and the lawsuit to repeal Proposition 108?
Darcy Schoening: This is clear. Only Republicans should vote in Republican primaries. More than 930,000 Coloradans are registered Republicans, and they deserve a primary process that is fair, transparent, and representative of their values. We should be fighting for and honoring their commitment to our party as they maintain an “R” behind their name. I realize unaffiliated voters want a say in the process, but as a private organization, it’s my job as the Chair of the Colorado Republican Party to support its membership!
For me, I see unaffiliated voters as future Republicans, even if they don’t know it. Our party’s values of being tough on crime and illegal immigration, keeping taxes and the size of government small, defending TABOR, protecting kids from the mental disease of liberalism, as well as a host of other issues connected far more closely with them. I believe the more we connect and engage with unaffiliated voters on the issues that matter most to them, the sooner we welcome new Republicans into our party.
Under my leadership, the Colorado GOP will continue to support the lawsuit to overturn Proposition 108, the unconstitutional measure that opened our primaries to non-Republicans in 2016. We will also explore legislative options to close the primaries. Restoring closed primaries is essential to strengthening our party based on our principles and values. Our Republican candidates should be chosen by Republican voters. It’s amazing to me how controversial that statement is for some, even in our own party. The passage of Proposition 108 was one of the most destructive events for our party, funded by multi millionaire former CEO Kent Thiry, who tried to bring about jungle primaries just last year. I am committed to this fight and to ensuring that our primaries are Republican elections, decided by Republican voters.
Kevin McCarney: Opt out is a losing issue for the GOP. The only way to successfully combat this is to change the Legislature. As long as the Judicial Branch in Colorado is controlled by the Left, we will not change things. The prohibitive cost of running our own Primary (approximately $4 million) is not an option. We do want to draw the Conservative UAF voters into our fold. You can not do that by taking away their voice in the primary.
Mike Morris: See above comment on this topic. I am unequivocally for O-O and repeal of Prop 108. (Kevin Lundberg is a friend and I have supported his work on this.) A nation without borders is not a country, and so a Party is not a party if non-party members can vote in the party’s primaries. To me, it makes no sense to not allow UVs to vote in precint caucuses, but do let UVs vote in primaries. Enough said.
If you support opting out, what is your specific plan to run assemblies to select candidates, and pay for it?
Darcy Schoening: Under my leadership, I fully support the Colorado GOP’s decision to opt out of the traditional primary system and return to a caucus and assembly process. This is a crucial step in ensuring Republican voters—not outside influences—choose our candidates.
Currently, there is an ongoing lawsuit to overturn the unconstitutional Proposition 108. I fully support this effort and, as Chair, will work to fully fund it.
There are two main options for conducting the opt-out:
Option One:
- Any candidate receiving 30 percent or more at the following assemblies—county, state house district, state senate district, judicial district, congressional district, and state—advances to a countywide ballot.
- The State GOP will recess and shift elections to the counties.
- Each county will conduct its election, securing voting locations and volunteers. Only registered Republicans can vote, with a set registration deadline.
- Voting will be conducted via paper ballots, hand-counted, with voter ID required.
- Results will be reported back to the State GOP, which will reconvene, compile the results, and submit the final outcome to the Secretary of State.
- The State GOP will provide financial assistance, varying by county, to support election costs.
Option Two:
- Any candidate receiving 51 percent or more at the relevant assemblies automatically advances to the general election ballot.
- Voting will be conducted via paper ballots, hand-counted, with voter ID required. The party will not use email, internet, or voting machines to conduct elections.
- Proposition 108 requires 75 percent approval from the State Central Committee to opt out of the primary. If the SCC votes to indemnify the Colorado GOP and move forward, I am committed to making it a success. I will work to raise the necessary funds and build the infrastructure needed for this transition.
- By partnering with prominent GOP supporters, we will launch a targeted fundraising effort to secure venues, technology, and resources for a successful caucus and assembly system. Once elected Chair, I will establish a committee of diverse individuals solely focused on developing and executing a robust state and county-level implementation plan.
Option Three:
- We could work with Democrats on legislative action to repeal Proposition 108 and close the primary. I have successfully worked with Democrats in Colorado politics and believe many of them share our desire for closed primaries.
I look forward to continued discussions with both supporters and opponents of opting out, as SCC members weigh this critical decision for the future of our party.
Kevin McCarney: It cannot be done.
Mike Morris: County Parties run county assemblies and choose local candidates, and are responsible for their own expenses. I want our State Party to funnel down $ to help Counties that need help. State assemblies are the responsibility of the State Party and the Party shall bear all associated costs. Fees may be charged to attend the Assembly. It should be noted that, if I am elected Chair, under no circumstances will the State Party issue pre-primary endorsements of candidates, except for candidates for the President of the United States. The State Party should NEVER engage in picking winners and losers before the primary. This axiom should be chiseled in stone above the door of our Party Headquarters.