Sean Pond, a former Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Colorado, is continuing his campaign as the nominee of the American Constitution Party after failing to advance through the state party’s assembly process earlier this month.
The Colorado Republican Party held its State Assembly on April 11 at Colorado State University Pueblo, where candidates needed at least 30% of delegate support to qualify for the primary ballot. Pond fell short, with state Sen. Mark Baisley emerging as the only candidate to advance. No candidates pursued petition access, leaving the assembly as the sole path to the ballot.
Reporting by Colorado Public Radio said the convention was marred by a series of procedural issues, including delays, disputes, and credentialing problems that resulted in more votes being cast than there were verified delegates. According to the outlet, organizers ultimately opted to proceed without conducting a re-vote.
In the days following his loss, Pond posted a series of videos on social media criticizing the process and signaling he would continue his campaign outside the Republican primary. While expressing frustration, Pond said he was still grateful for the experience, as it gave him a clearer view of how the process works.
“I needed to see it up close: the games, the endorsements, the pressure, the inside deals and the backroom deals, and the popularity contest that decides who even makes it on your ballot in front of the voters,” Pond said in one such video. “Because you think you’re choosing your candidate, but most of the time that decision’s already been made before it gets to you.”
Pond, who currently serves on the Montrose County Board of Commissioners after being selected to fill a vacancy in 2025, also said he ultimately chose to accept the nomination of the American Constitution Party following the convention. In a statement to local media, Pond confirmed that he changed his party affiliation and accepted the nomination on April 13.
Pond said he decided to switch in response to what he saw within the state Republican Party, calling it a disconnect between leadership and voters. He added that the party’s biggest challenge comes from within, not from outside opposition, and said he does not believe Baisley can win the general election.
“My campaign is grounded in the Constitution—limited government, individual liberty, and accountability to the people,” Pond said. “Too many people in charge have forgotten who they work for. I haven’t.”
He added that his campaign is working to build a coalition of conservatives, unaffiliated voters, and “those disillusioned with the current political landscape.”
As the American Constitution Party is a recognized party in Colorado, Pond will appear on the general election ballot as its nominee. He will likely face Baisley and the Democratic nominee, which could be either incumbent Sen. John Hickenlooper or state Sen. Julie Gonzales.
Pond is also the first Constitution Party candidate in Colorado for the 2026 election cycle, according to a recent national party list. The party also has candidates in Iowa, Illinois, Nevada, and New Hampshire.
Be First to Comment