Democratic Attorney General Candidates Vow to Fight Trump Administration

Three of the five Democratic candidates for Colorado Attorney General outline plans to use the courts to challenge federal policies.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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During a statewide Democratic candidate forum, three of the five Democrats running for Colorado Attorney General - Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, Towards Justice Executive Director David Seligman, and former Department of Justice litigator Hetal Doshi - spoke about their commitment to using the courts to fight what they see as unlawful policies of the Trump Administration. The candidates voiced support for anti-trust enforcement, protecting immigrant communities, and holding corporations and the wealthy accountable.

Why it matters

The race for Colorado Attorney General is an important one, as the state's top law enforcement official will play a key role in challenging federal policies that the candidates view as harmful. With the current Attorney General Phil Weiser term-limited and running for Governor, the Democratic primary will determine who takes on this critical role.

The details

The three candidates outlined their plans to use the power of the Attorney General's office to take on the Trump Administration. Dougherty spoke about starting an immigrant protection program and providing Know Your Rights training, while refusing to report undocumented individuals to federal authorities. Seligman vowed to "rip out the old memos" that have restricted public access to Colorado's waterways, and to hold large corporations like Palantir and private prison companies accountable. Doshi, a former DOJ litigator, said she is "really comfortable holding wrongdoers to account" and would remind ICE agents that "they work for us."

  • The Democratic candidate forum took place on Saturday, February 23, 2026.
  • The Democratic primary election for Colorado Attorney General is scheduled for June 30, 2026.

The players

Michael Dougherty

Boulder County District Attorney who previously worked in the Manhattan District Attorney's office and the Colorado Attorney General's office.

David Seligman

Executive Director of the legal nonprofit Towards Justice and an advocate for consumer rights.

Hetal Doshi

Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, where she litigated criminal and civil cases.

Phil Weiser

Current Colorado Attorney General who is term-limited and running for Governor.

Anne Kelly

Republican 12th Judicial District Attorney who has publicly endorsed Michael Dougherty's campaign for Attorney General.

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What they’re saying

“The rule of law is the best defense we have. It's the bulwark against the Trump Administration.”

— Michael Dougherty, Boulder County District Attorney (Alamosa Citizen)

“We're going to need to go on the offensive.”

— David Seligman, Executive Director, Towards Justice (Alamosa Citizen)

“I think it's important to remind the federal government and those agents that put on that uniform every single day that they work for us.”

— Hetal Doshi, Former DOJ Litigator (Alamosa Citizen)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This race for Colorado Attorney General highlights the growing role state-level law enforcement officials will play in challenging federal policies, with the candidates vowing to use the courts to fight the Trump Administration's agenda and hold corporations and the wealthy accountable.