Colorado Governor Signals Openness to Releasing Tina Peters Amid Trump Pressure

The move has drawn criticism from state officials who say it would send the wrong message ahead of the midterm elections.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Colorado's Democratic governor, Jared Polis, is signaling his openness to granting clemency to former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted in a scheme that attempted to find proof of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Polis' comments have drawn swift rebuke from the state's attorney general, secretary of state, and the association representing local election officials, who say such an action would send the wrong message to anyone seeking to interfere with elections ahead of this year's midterms.

Why it matters

Tina Peters has become a hero to many who support former President Trump's false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. Trump has threatened 'harsh measures' against Colorado unless the state releases Peters, and his administration has cut off funding to the state. The governor's comments have raised concerns that granting clemency to Peters could undermine public trust in elections.

The details

Peters was convicted of state crimes for sneaking in an outside computer expert to copy images of her county's election computer system before and after state officials updated it in 2021. A photo and video of confidential voting system passwords were later posted on social media and a conservative website. Peters was found guilty of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant and one count each of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty, and failure to comply with the requirements of the secretary of state. Her lawyers argued that the judge violated her First Amendment rights by punishing her with a stiff sentence for making allegations about election fraud.

  • In January, Polis raised concerns that the nine-year sentence for Peters, who didn't have a criminal history, was 'harsh'.
  • On March 4, 2026, Polis posted on social media that he is considering clemency for Peters, citing concerns about sentencing disparities.

The players

Jared Polis

The Democratic governor of Colorado who is signaling his openness to granting clemency to Tina Peters.

Tina Peters

The former Mesa County Clerk who was convicted in a scheme that attempted to find proof of fraud in the 2020 presidential election and is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence.

Jena Griswold

The Colorado Secretary of State, a Democrat who is running for state attorney general, and has criticized Polis' comments as 'shocking and worrisome'.

Phil Weiser

The Colorado Attorney General, a Democrat who is running to succeed the term-limited Polis, and has said that clemency should be based on remorse, rehabilitation, and extenuating circumstances, not political influence.

Michael Bennet

The U.S. Senator from Colorado, a Democrat who is hoping to replace Polis as governor, and has said that Peters shouldn't be pardoned or have her sentence commuted.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Tina Peters to be released on bail while her convictions are appealed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between those who believe the 2020 election was stolen and the officials tasked with upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The governor's comments have raised concerns that granting clemency to Peters could undermine public trust in elections, especially ahead of the 2024 presidential race.