Colorado State Senator Byron H. Pelton, District 1, announced this week that he will seek re-election for a second term in the Colorado Senate. Pelton was elected in 2022 for his first term in the state legislature.

During his time in office, Senator Pelton has served on multiple committees, including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Energy, Veterans and State Affairs, Local Government and Housing, Appropriations, Capitol Development Committee, Agriculture and Water Resources Committee – Representing the South Platte River Basin and Republican River Basin. He was elected to leadership in the Senate Caucus and is currently Caucus Chair of the Senate Republicans.

Even in the minority, Senator Pelton has successfully passed legislation to protect private property rights - SB25-128, strengthen penalties against human traffickers - SB24-035, bring transparency to government regarding PERA - SB25-147, make agriculture buildings exempt from energy codes - SB25-039, exempt property taxes for veterans with disabilities - SB23-036, protect freedom of speech - SB24-129, provide veterinarian services through telehealth - HB24-1048, reduce the income tax on social security benefits - HB24-1142, keep insurance providers from denying coverage for mental health services - HB25-1002, and many more.

Pelton has had several bills killed by the Democrat majority, including bills to strengthen laws against drug dealers and to protect women in sports. Senator Pelton has spent countless hours debating on the Senate floor to defend the lives of the preborn, Second Amendment rights, funding for rural schools, keep land use authority under local control, and to protect pregnancy resource centers. While many bills passed on a party line vote by Democrats during his time in office, Senator Pelton has been successful in adding amendments or having language removed in many bills to protect or exempt agriculture and rural Colorado.

For the upcoming 2026 session, Senator Pelton will be presenting bills to lower property taxes for agriculture facilities, make penalties stronger for child solicitation and internet luring, make agriculture exempt from emissions reporting, and to strengthen child trafficking laws, among others.

Pelton has been honored as Legislator of the Year from numerous agencies, including awards from the Fraternal Order of Police, Rural School Alliance, Colorado Civil Justice League, Colorado Association of School Executives (K-12 education), Logan County Cattlewomen, Colorado Chamber of Commerce, and numerous additional awards.