Republican candidate Elizabeth Riggs is challenging Democratic incumbent Regina English this November to represent Colorado state House District 17.

Riggs, who has no online presence, is looking to return the district that now includes most of southern Colorado Springs, including the municipal airport, back to Republican leadership. Democrats have controlled House District 17 since 2017.

Riggs did not return The Gazette’s requests to be interviewed for this voter guide.

English declined to be interviewed, but in an email to The Gazette highlighted her priorities for office if she is reelected to a second term this November.

A mother, grandmother, nonprofit founder and former Harrison School District 2 Board of Education member, English wants to improve the quality of life for residents in her district, including “creating generational wealth through homeownership, vital for building a sustainable future,” she said.

“With affordable housing being a pressing issue in my district, I am committed to finding solutions to counteract the trend of big corporations purchasing properties and building high-density apartments and manufactured homes. While these developments may work for some, they often obstruct opportunities for many others. Addressing this challenge statewide will be challenging, but through collective efforts, we can increase the availability of affordable homes in our community,” English wrote.

If reelected, English will continue collaborating with developers to explore cost-cutting measures so consumers are not burdened with high construction costs added on top of their loans.

Among her priorities are addressing mental health, criminal justice reform, explicitly banning exclusion rooms in schools across Colorado, supporting small businesses and advocating for seniors and people with disabilities, she said.

English wants to provide tax breaks and incentives that will encourage entrepreneurial growth and sustainability, like implementing tax credits for small businesses that hire locally or invest in employee training programs.

Grants or low-interest loans for startup companies can help them launch their businesses, too, she said.

Campaign finance reports filed with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office for the period between Sept. 12-25, the most recent available, show English had nearly $11,500 on hand. Riggs had about $1,600 on hand.