The Garfield County Commissioners Republican Assembly convened Saturday morning at Rifle High School, where local GOP members selected their candidates for two county commissioner seats in a display of party unity and political strategy.

A total of 125 Republican delegates attended the assembly. In District 3, incumbent Mike Samson ran unopposed and secured his position as the Republican delegate. Samson, who is seeking re-election, is pursuing his fifth term in the District 3 seat.

“I have proudly served you for going on my sixteenth year. I love the United States of America, I love the state of Colorado, although I’m a little bit upset with the state’s legislature right now, and I love Garfield County,” Samson expressed his dedication to the region and its constituents. He will face off against Democratic nominee Steven Arauza. 

Garfield County Commissioner John Martin, who announced his resignation earlier in January, praised Samson during the assembly. 

“Mr. Sampson is a school teacher, an educator, a compassionate human being, a disciplinarian, an administrator, and a doggone good county commissioner,” Martin said.

In District 2, the assembly saw Colorado State Sen. Perry Will vie against Caleb Waller for the nomination. Will garnered 91 votes, equivalent to 73% of the total, while Waller received 34 votes, or 27%. Not reaching the 30% threshold to mark his name on the primary ballot, Waller has the option to petition.

Waller confirmed to the Post Independent that he does not intend to petition to get on the ballot, effectively making Will the Republican candidate for the District 2. The former state senator will run against Democratic nominee Caitlin Carey for a seat on the Garfield County Commissioners board.

Will, accepting his nomination, pledged to represent and serve all residents of Garfield County faithfully. 

“I represent everyone in this room, and everyone in Garfield County, so I am really, truly honored and privileged to get this nomination,” Will stated, promising accountability and dedication in his potential role as commissioner. 

Will, who has over 40 years of experience as a game warden in the area, emphasized his deep roots and commitment to the community.

“Garfield County is my home, it’s truly my home,” Will said. “As your Garfield County Commissioner, I’ll be the best ambassador you can possibly elect to be your representative. I listen and understand issues, and we’ll fix them and we’ll fix them together, and we’ll collaborate to do that. Having served as a representative and now as a senator, I know how to make things happen and I know how things happen.”

The primary election is scheduled for June 25.