CO-08 Democratic nominee?
Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleProcess improvement consultant
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
LocationColorado
BackgroundProcess improvement consultant
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EducationLoyola University Chicago (B.A., Political Science)
Notable personal detailsJohn Francis Szemler is a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District (2026 cycle). He has worked as a process improvement consultant implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations ERP systems. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from Loyola University Chicago and an M.B.A. from the University of San Diego. In 2025, he filed with the FEC for the CO-08 race and later stated he was not able to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot and endorsed Manny Rutinel.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports targeted government investment in clean energy and infrastructure, proposes a national carbon price with revenues reinvested for worker transition, and favors reforms that shift economic burden away from borrowers and reduce concentration of wealth at the top. Emphasizes that prosperity has been concentrated at the top and advocates policy choices to make the economy work for more people.
Climate & Energy
Supports major clean-energy investment and grid modernization, establishment of a national carbon price with revenues used for worker transition assistance, and policies to expand solar, wind, and battery storage while funding reforestation and other climate mitigation projects.
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We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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