Brendza emerges from delayed caucus process as Eagle County commissioner frontrunner

Following technology issues with a new state system and serious delays for the Eagle County Democratic Party caucus and assembly Saturday evening, Gypsum Town Council member Kathleen Brendza unofficially emerged as the frontrunner for the District 3 Eagle County commissioner seat in November.

Eagle County Democratic Party Chair Lisa Lewis declined to provide exact voting numbers late Saturday, but other party officials confirmed Brendza earned more than 90% of the votes Saturday and that both Democratic sheriff’s candidates, Rebecca Anderson and Jason Boston, will move on to the June 30 primary. 

Democrat Kathryn Kuhlenberg of Basalt, the only other candidate from any party registered with the Colorado Secretary of State in the commissioner’s race, announced earlier in the day she was ending her candidacy before it ever really began, meaning there will likely be no Democratic primary for the seat in June unless someone petitions on to the ballot by March 18.

And as of Saturday night, following the Eagle County Republican Party caucus on Thursday, no Republican had registered with the state to run in the race to replace Eagle County Commissioner Jeanne McQueeney, who is term-limited and can’t seek a fourth term.

“We have two candidates running for District 3,” Eagle County Republican Party Chair Dan King wrote in an email Saturday night without naming the candidates. “The assembly will be on (March 23), at which time we will vote on the candidates.”

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King issued an email notice Friday following the party’s caucus in which he thanked precinct committee members and candidates for stepping forward but did not name names: “Thank you to our local citizens who announced their candidacy for local and state office! It was exciting to hear your introduction speeches. We appreciate you! (For those that missed caucus, more information will be coming.)”

Candidates must get at least 30% of the votes at both caucus and assembly in order to make it onto the primary ballot.

“To qualify candidates for the primary ballot, major political parties must hold a caucus followed by an assembly. Because each party is a self-governing entity, their individual bylaws dictate the specific timing and manner of these events,” Eagle County Clerk and Recorder Becky Close explained in an email Saturday. “The Democrats hold both on the same day, while the Republicans split the process into two separate days.”

If candidates don’t receive 30% of the vote, they can petition their way on to the primary ballot.

“The last day to file a major party petition is March 18 for the (June 30) primary,” Close said. “I am unaffiliated so I will need to petition onto the general election ballot. Unaffiliated petitions are due July 9.”

Thus far the only Republican registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office for a local seat in Eagle County is incumbent Sheriff James van Beek.

There are Democrats registered for assessor (Andie Noakes), coroner (incumbent Kara Bettis), treasurer (incumbent Teak Simonton) and to replace McQueeney as commissioner, and they are thus far unopposed. But that could change following the GOP assembly.

As for running to replace McQueeney on the three-member board of commissioners that oversees Eagle County (currently all three are Democrats), Brendza says she has big shoes to fill, politically speaking.

“I am inspired by Jeanne’s years of dedicated service to our communities,” Brendza said a press release. “Her vast impacts will serve generations to come.

“I also want to wish Kathryn Kuhlenberg well,” Brendza added. “Having recently spoken with her a couple of times, she clearly has a passion for local government and moving community forward in positive ways. I look forward to meeting more Basalt residents and business owners and working hard on their behalf.”

Kuhlenberg pulled out of the race earlier in the day with the following statement to the Eagle County Democrats:

“Unfortunately, I have decided to withdraw my name from candidacy for Eagle County commissioner. I have accepted a role working with the newly formed early childhood special tax district and I simply cannot devote the time to this race that the constituents of Eagle County deserve.”

Brendza, a fourth-generation Coloradan and longtime Gypsum resident, announced her candidacy earlier in the week, saying her role on town council requires collaboration with residents, businesses, and regional partners, and that will translate well to addressing Eagle County’s most pressing priorities, including housing, transportation, and long-term sustainability.

“As a lifelong Colorado resident and public servant, I have dedicated my career to strengthening families, supporting educators, and serving my community with fairness, integrity, and accountability,” Brendza said. “I will bring thoughtful, informed, transparent leadership to the Board of County Commissioners and work collaboratively to ensure Eagle County remains a place where families, businesses and future generations can thrive.”

Here’s some more on Brendza’s background from her press release:

Brendza is a court-appointed parent coordinator/decision maker and mediator, providing neutral, evidence-based decision-making in complex family matters. Her work requires impartial judgment, ethical leadership, and the ability to resolve high-conflict situations while protecting the well-being of children and families. She also mentors future educators as an Adjunct Field Supervisor with Colorado Mountain College and Adams State University, helping prepare the next generation of teachers to serve Colorado’s students. 

Brendza’s leadership and commitment to public service have also been recognized through appointments to key statewide and regional leadership bodies. She was appointed by Governor Polis to serve on the 5th Judicial Performance Commission for a second term, where she evaluates judicial performance and helps ensure fairness, accountability, and integrity within Colorado’s courts. She also serves on the Greater Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Committee, advising on public lands, natural resources, and regional stewardship. These appointments reflect the confidence placed in her judgment, integrity, and ability to serve the public in impartial, high-stakes decision-making roles.

Brendza and husband, John, have lived in Gypsum for 27 years. They have a son, Will. Brendza brings both professional expertise and deep personal roots to her service. Her experience spans education, nonprofit leadership, mediation, court service, and elected office — providing a rare breadth of perspective and a proven record of principled, effective leadership.

“I am proud to serve this community,” Brendza adds. “My commitment has always been simple: listen carefully, make fair and thoughtful decisions, and work tirelessly to protect the future of Eagle County.”