The upcoming primary election will see incumbent 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen, who seeks a second term, face off against Republican challenger and attorney David Willson for the seat.

Whichever candidate earns the most votes in the June 25 primary election will face Jeremy Dowell, an attorney who represents Colorado Springs-area children in the juvenile justice system and the only Democrat in the race, in the Nov. 5 general election.

The 4th Judicial District encompasses El Paso and Teller counties.

The Republican candidates answered questions for The Gazette’s primary election voter guide about safety, prosecuting crime and what sets them apart from their fellow opponents:

Michael Allen

Incumbent, Republican, michaelallen4da.com

How do you plan to improve safety in the community?

As district attorney, I have made it clear — if you commit a crime in El Paso or Teller counties, you will be held accountable. In 2021, I launched our data unit that allows us to respond quickly to changing crime trends. While Denver has struggled to respond to crime, my office has led the state in jury trials, restitution secured for victims of crime, and in our approach to violent and career criminals. As fentanyl deaths exploded, I worked with community leaders to fight back. I formed an Organized Crime Unit that has led the state in prosecuting fentanyl death dealers by sending them to prison where they belong. The approach is recognized as leading the fight against cartels bringing fentanyl into our community. I refuse to compromise on public safety and will continue to look for common-sense solutions to the changing dynamics of crime in our community.

How have bills passed in the legislature over the past four years affected crime or the ability to prosecute crime in El Paso and Teller counties?

Colorado has experienced a surge in crime, thanks to “criminal justice reform” efforts from the legislature and governor’s office. In recent years, that “reform” has resulted in decriminalization efforts that have left Coloradans increasingly vulnerable to crime. Punitive legislation attacked law enforcement and has made it harder for law enforcement agencies to retain and recruit good police officers. The death penalty was eliminated as an option for evildoers who commit mass murder, and elimination of the death penalty also means people who commit murder are eligible for bond while waiting for trial. Prison sentences have been reduced to as low as 16 years for offenders who kill someone while in the process of committing a violent felony offense (felony murder). There are many more examples, but the bottom line is we need to restore balance in state government to reverse the negative impacts of “criminal justice reform.”

What can the District Attorney’s Office do to achieve sustainable change around community safety?

As district attorney, I refuse to compromise on our core mission in law enforcement of protecting public safety. We routinely lead the state in prosecution of violent and career criminals, while also giving second chances to those who deserve the opportunity. The DA’s Office will continue to lead the state in the number of cases taken to trial. As an example, in 2023 we set a record by going to trial on 475 cases, shattering the previous high of 399. We will also continue to be proactive in our community outreach efforts. That includes launching a first-of-its-kind transparency effort through our data dashboards, by holding fentanyl town halls throughout El Paso and Teller counties and working closely with our 22 area law enforcement agencies to combat crime. Finally, as district attorney, I will continue to be proactive by engaging on legislation that affects public safety.

What sets you apart from opponents in the race?

Evil never rests, and the best defense against those who choose to do evil in our community is a committed, professional prosecutor. I know how to achieve justice for victims having served as a prosecutor for 20 consecutive years and have worked tirelessly to hold evildoers accountable for the crimes they commit. As an example, I have a 100% conviction rate on homicide cases and have twice been named Homicide Prosecutor of the Year. I am the only candidate in the race with actual experience as a prosecutor and as an elected district attorney, and the only candidate that has prosecuted a murder case. Experience matters — I have it and my opponents don’t. That’s why I have been endorsed by Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, El Paso County Sheriff Joe Roybal, former District Attorney Dan May, current 18th Judicial District Attorney John Kellner, and former Mayor/DA/Attorney General/U.S. Attorney John Suthers.

David Willson

Republican, davidforda.org

How do you plan to improve safety in the community?

First, if elected district attorney, the buck stops with me. I am responsible and will hold myself accountable to the people, and expect the people to hold me accountable. This is not a political office for me. I am not a politician and am not looking for the next election or position. I am looking to identify problems and solve them. I will ensure the Office of the District Attorney is run properly, absent politics and self-serving agendas. As a retired Army JAG (Judge Advocate General’s Corps member) and having been an attorney for 34 years, my role has been problem solving, leading those working for me, and making sensitive and critical decisions. To succeed and support this community, I need to know the issues and concerns of the community. I will hold frequent town hall meetings to hear what the people have to say and their concerns.

How have bills passed in the legislature over the past four years affected crime or the ability to prosecute crime in El Paso and Teller counties?

Recent legislative efforts in Denver have made it more difficult to protect hard-working, law-abiding members of our communities from harm. The downgrading of felonies to misdemeanors, reducing penalties for many crimes, and soft bond/bail have made crime more attractive. We have become one of the leading communities for motor vehicle theft, and violent crime is on the rise. I will ensure the voice of the people of El Paso and Teller counties is heard loud and clear at legislative sessions. We need to get back to protecting the rights of all citizens and ensure the safety of people and property. As the district attorney, it will be incumbent upon me to ensure justice and ensure it is fair and impartial. I will review and research the constitutionality of all legislation coming out of Denver, like Second Amendment rights.

What can the District Attorney’s Office do to achieve sustainable change around community safety?

The current district attorney has had almost four years to lower crime; instead, he has admitted fentanyl deaths are up, and crime rates also are up.

I will end self-serving political and other agendas and cronyism that appear to be used in determining which crimes and people to prosecute.

High-profile crime must be prosecuted, but some of these prosecutions are too little, too late. Some might have been prevented by holding criminals accountable. Lowered bail or not objecting to lowered bail is causing violent repeat offenders to be released on the street.

Election fraud, porn/filth in the schools, child trafficking, illegal immigration and more must not be ignored and swept under the rug. The District Attorney’s Office must not ignore some crimes to pursue headlines. Perjury should not be ignored.

What sets you apart from opponents in the race?

I was asked to run for district attorney. I went through (county) assembly because people are unhappy with the status quo. I am not a politician. I am a retired Army JAG. I prosecuted and defended soldiers, worked as special assistant United States attorney, and as legal adviser at the (National Security Agency) to (U.S. Cyber Command) and Army Cyber. Since retiring, I practiced as a cybersecurity attorney/consultant, and now as a court-appointed attorney in dependency and neglect. I have seen the impact of the justice system from many angles. This experience has equipped me to make fair and reasoned decisions, in the ultimate pursuit of justice for all.

The current district attorney avoided assembly and the vote. I will ensure no self-serving political agendas. Back to the basics: investigating and prosecuting crime, supporting victims. The judicial system will not be weaponized as seen against President (Donald) Trump. Our liberties and the constitution will be protected.