The Garfield County Commissioners Democratic Caucus and Assembly took place via Zoom on March 9, bringing together candidates and voters ahead of the upcoming primary elections. Rifle Mayor Sean Strode and Rifle resident Steven Arauza competed for the Democratic nomination in District 3. In the end, Arauza led with the majority of votes, leaving Strode with 29.2%.

Since Strode didn’t hit the required 30% threshold, he now has the option to petition for a spot on the primary ballot. He needs 590 signatures by March 19 to do so. Meanwhile, Caitlin Carey, who is running unopposed in District 2 for the Democrats, received 100% of the vote, ensuring her spot in the primaries.

During Saturday’s Zoom event, over 200 people attended the caucus, with a significant turnout of 114 delegates from across the county from Carbondale to Parachute. According to Garfield County Democratic Chair Debbie Stone Burell, the caucus focused on candidate presentations rather than debates. Burell highlighted the consensus among Democrats on key issues facing the county and the state.

Burell also emphasized the diversity of the candidates and the community’s excitement about potentially having a Latino on the county commissioners board and a woman in District 2. Arauza announced his candidacy last fall, Strode in January, and Carey in May 2023, after her initial competitor, Douglas Salg, withdrew.

“Each of these candidates have been absolutely on the same page about what needs to be done in our county,” Stone Burell said. “Steve has had months to prepare and Sean just recently announced his campaign. I think people are excited to have a Latino person on the county commissioners board, just like they are excited to potentially have a woman on the board. 

Burell expressed her support for Strode, recognizing his contributions to Rifle as mayor and his ongoing potential to support the community, regardless of his future political endeavors.

 “He is the mayor of Rifle and has plenty of opportunities to support this community,” Stone Bruell said. “I’m not sure what direction he will go or if he will continue to pursue a seat on the county commissioners board, but Sean Strode is a very integral part of the town of Rifle.”

The caucus sets the stage for the primaries on June 28, with the general election to follow on November 5. This event was a key moment for local Democrats, highlighting the party’s goals and the candidates’ readiness for the upcoming electoral challenges.