Michael Pierson

District 22 - Democratic Party

How does your experience make you qualified to represent the people?

I've spent more than 30 years serving the public—20 years as an Air Force officer and another 12 years as a federal civilian. During that time, I worked with military leaders, local governments, businesses, and community organizations to solve real-world problems and manage taxpayer resources responsibly.

I've lived in Colorado Springs since 2005, raised my family here, volunteered in the community, and worked on issues ranging from transportation and economic development to public communication and public service. I understand how government works, but more importantly, I understand that people expect results, not political theater. That's the approach I'll bring to the State House.

What are your top policy priorities?

My top priorities are affordability, transportation, and strong public schools.

First, I want to make Colorado more affordable for working families by focusing on housing, health care costs, and wages. I want to lighten the burden of state fees on those who need relief the most and ensure that working families have the chance for jobs with good pay and benefits.  I’m proud to have been endorsed by Teamsters Local 455 and, as a member of IBEW myself, I’m a steadfast supporter of unions, including our local teachers’ unions.

Second, I believe fully funding our public schools is one of the best investments we can make in Colorado's future. Strong schools support students, attract employers, and strengthen property values and our local economy.

Third, we need to address traffic congestion and infrastructure challenges in eastern Colorado Springs. Families in District 22 deal with delays on Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, and Austin Bluffs Parkway every day. We need to move from studying these problems to solving them.

What is one issue you think is being overlooked in this race, and how would you address it?

I think the long-term impact of transportation congestion on our quality of life is being overlooked.

Many residents spend more time sitting in traffic every year, and that affects everything from family time to emergency response times to economic growth. Despite years of discussion, major bottlenecks along Powers Boulevard continue to worsen.

I will make transportation funding and accountability a priority by working with local governments, PPACG, and CDOT to ensure Colorado Springs receives its fair share of state transportation investments and that promised projects move from planning into construction.

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