DENVER — Former Democratic State Sen. Michael Johnston became one of the first major players to enter the race for governor in Colorado on Tuesday.
Johnston has experience as a teacher, principal and small-business owner. His family has owned a lodge in Vail for years and his wife is a prosecutor in Denver.
The election is not until November 2018.
Johnston has received the endorsement of State Sen. Rhonda Fields and State Sen. Kerry Donovan, who is a childhood friend of Johnston.
“We will guarantee up to two years of debt free college or career training to every Coloradan,” Johnston said during his speech at the Holly Street Community Center.
Johnston is expected to be one candidate in a very crowded field.
Former Sen. Ken Salazar, Congressman Ed Perlmutter, State Rep. Joe Salazar and Cary Kennedy are expected to make decisions on running soon.
On the Republican side, State Treasurer Walker Stapleton and Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler are rumored to be interested.
Noel Ginsberg, a Denver CEO, has already announced.