|
|
The Governor of Colorado is the head of the executive branch of ColoradoColorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
's government and the commander-in-chief of the state'sA U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
military forcesThe Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is a state agency of the Government of Colorado. It supervises both the Colorado National Guard , and non-military state safety agencies.The Department consists of the Department of Military Affairs, and the Division of Veterans' Affairs, and...
. The governorIn the United States, the title governor refers to the chief executive of each state or insular territory, not directly subordinate to the federal authorities, but the political and ceremonial head of the state.-Role and powers:...
has a duty to enforce state laws, and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Colorado General AssemblyThe Colorado General Assembly is the state legislature of the State of Colorado.-Constitutional definition:The Colorado Constitution establishes a system of government based on the separation of powers doctrine with power divided among three "departments": executive, legislative and judicial...
, to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons, except in cases of treason or impeachment.
Seven people served as governor of Colorado TerritoryThe Territory of Colorado was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 28, 1861, until August 1, 1876, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Colorado....
over eight terms, appointed by the President of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
. Since statehood, there have been 36 governors, serving 41 distinct terms. The longest-serving governors were Richard "Dick" LammRichard Douglas "Dick" Lamm is an American politician, Certified Public Accountant, college professor, and lawyer. He served three terms as 38th Governor of Colorado as a Democrat and ran for the Reform Party's nomination for President of the United States in 1996.He is currently the Co-Director...
and Roy Romer, who each served twelve years over three terms. The shortest term occurred on March 17, 1905, a day when the state had three governors: Alva AdamsAlva Adams was an American politician. He was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin. He served as the fifth, tenth and 14th Governor of Colorado from 1887 to 1889, 1897 to 1899, and briefly in 1905. He died in Battle Creek, Michigan.Adams County, Colorado, is named for Alva Adams, and it's believed the...
won the election, but soon after he took office, the legislature declared his opponent, James Peabody, governor, but on the condition that he immediately resign, so that his lieutenant governor, Jesse McDonald, could be governor. Thus, Peabody served only moments as governor.
The current governor is John HickenlooperJohn Wright Hickenlooper is an American politician and current Governor of Colorado. A Democrat, he was previously the Mayor of Denver, Colorado from 2003 to 2011.-Early life, education and career:...
, who took office on January 11, 2011.
Territory of Jefferson
The self-proclaimed Provisional Government of the Territory of JeffersonThe Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson was an extralegal and unrecognized United States territory that existed from October 24, 1859 until the creation of the Colorado Territory on February 28, 1861...
was organized on November 7, 1859. Jefferson Territory included all of present-day Colorado, but extended about 3 miles (5 km) farther east, 138 miles (222 km) farther north, and about 50 miles (80 km) farther west. The territory was never recognized by the federal governmentThe federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
in the tumultuous days before the American Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. Jefferson Territory had only one governor, Robert Williamson SteeleRobert Williamson Steele was Governor of the extralegal Territory of Jefferson, which existed in the western United States of America from 1859 to 1861, when it was replaced by the Territory of Colorado.-Early life:...
. He proclaimed the territory dissolved on June 6, 1861, several months after the official formation of the Colorado TerritoryThe Territory of Colorado was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 28, 1861, until August 1, 1876, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Colorado....
, but only days after the arrival of its first governor.
Governors of the Territory of Colorado
- For the period before Colorado Territory was formed, see the lists of Governors of New Mexico Territory, Utah Territory, Kansas Territory, and Nebraska Territory.
Colorado TerritoryThe Territory of Colorado was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 28, 1861, until August 1, 1876, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Colorado....
was organized on February 28, 1861, from parts of the territories of New Mexicothumb|right|240px|Proposed boundaries for State of New Mexico, 1850The Territory of New Mexico was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from September 9, 1850, until January 6, 1912, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of...
, UtahThe Territory of Utah was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from September 9, 1850, until January 4, 1896, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Utah....
, and NebraskaThe Territory of Nebraska was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 30, 1854, until March 1, 1867, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Nebraska. The Nebraska Territory was created by the Kansas–Nebraska Act of 1854...
, and the unorganized territory that was previously the western portion of Kansas TerritoryThe Territory of Kansas was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 30, 1854, until January 29, 1861, when the eastern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Kansas....
.
| Governor |
Took office |
Left office |
Appointed by |
Notes |
| {{sortname|William|Gilpin|William Gilpin (governor)}} |
{{dts|link=off|1861|3|25}} |
{{dts|link=off|1862|3|26}} |
{{sortname|Abraham|Lincoln}} |
{{#tag:ref|The territory was formed on February 28, 1861, but no governor was appointed until March 25, 1861. Gilpin himself did not arrive in the territory until May 27, 1861.|group="lower-alpha"}}{{#tag:ref|Removed from office for improper financial drafts from the federal treasury.|group="lower-alpha"}} |
| {{sortname|John|Evans|John Evans (governor)}} |
{{dts|link=off|1862|3|26}} |
{{dts|link=off|1865|10|17}} |
{{sortname|Abraham|Lincoln}} |
{{#tag:ref|Resigned at the request of President JohnsonAndrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States . As Vice-President of the United States in 1865, he succeeded Abraham Lincoln following the latter's assassination. Johnson then presided over the initial and contentious Reconstruction era of the United States following the American...
following the Sand Creek MassacreAs conflict between Indians and white settlers and soldiers in Colorado continued, many of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, including bands under Cheyenne chiefs Black Kettle and White Antelope, were resigned to negotiate peace. The chiefs had sought to maintain peace in spite of pressures from whites...
. The resignation was requested on July 18, 1865.|group="lower-alpha"}} |
| {{sortname|Alexander|Cummings|Alexander Cummings (territorial governor)}} |
{{dts|link=off|1865|10|17}} |
{{dts|link=off|1867|4|24}} |
{{sortname|Andrew|Johnson}} |
|
| {{sortname|Alexander Cameron|Hunt}} |
{{dts|link=off|1867|4|24}} |
{{dts|link=off|1869|6|14}} |
{{sortname|Andrew|Johnson}} |
|
| {{sortname|Edward M.|McCook}} |
{{dts|link=off|1869|6|14}} |
The Governor of Colorado is the head of the executive branch of ColoradoColorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
's government and the commander-in-chief of the state'sA U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
military forcesThe Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is a state agency of the Government of Colorado. It supervises both the Colorado National Guard , and non-military state safety agencies.The Department consists of the Department of Military Affairs, and the Division of Veterans' Affairs, and...
. The governorIn the United States, the title governor refers to the chief executive of each state or insular territory, not directly subordinate to the federal authorities, but the political and ceremonial head of the state.-Role and powers:...
has a duty to enforce state laws, and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Colorado General AssemblyThe Colorado General Assembly is the state legislature of the State of Colorado.-Constitutional definition:The Colorado Constitution establishes a system of government based on the separation of powers doctrine with power divided among three "departments": executive, legislative and judicial...
, to convene the legislature, and to grant pardons, except in cases of treason or impeachment.
Seven people served as governor of Colorado TerritoryThe Territory of Colorado was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 28, 1861, until August 1, 1876, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Colorado....
over eight terms, appointed by the President of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
. Since statehood, there have been 36 governors, serving 41 distinct terms. The longest-serving governors were Richard "Dick" LammRichard Douglas "Dick" Lamm is an American politician, Certified Public Accountant, college professor, and lawyer. He served three terms as 38th Governor of Colorado as a Democrat and ran for the Reform Party's nomination for President of the United States in 1996.He is currently the Co-Director...
and Roy Romer, who each served twelve years over three terms. The shortest term occurred on March 17, 1905, a day when the state had three governors: Alva AdamsAlva Adams was an American politician. He was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin. He served as the fifth, tenth and 14th Governor of Colorado from 1887 to 1889, 1897 to 1899, and briefly in 1905. He died in Battle Creek, Michigan.Adams County, Colorado, is named for Alva Adams, and it's believed the...
won the election, but soon after he took office, the legislature declared his opponent, James Peabody, governor, but on the condition that he immediately resign, so that his lieutenant governor, Jesse McDonald, could be governor. Thus, Peabody served only moments as governor.
The current governor is John HickenlooperJohn Wright Hickenlooper is an American politician and current Governor of Colorado. A Democrat, he was previously the Mayor of Denver, Colorado from 2003 to 2011.-Early life, education and career:...
, who took office on January 11, 2011.
Territory of Jefferson
The self-proclaimed Provisional Government of the Territory of JeffersonThe Provisional Government of the Territory of Jefferson was an extralegal and unrecognized United States territory that existed from October 24, 1859 until the creation of the Colorado Territory on February 28, 1861...
was organized on November 7, 1859. Jefferson Territory included all of present-day Colorado, but extended about 3 miles (5 km) farther east, 138 miles (222 km) farther north, and about 50 miles (80 km) farther west. The territory was never recognized by the federal governmentThe federal government of the United States is the national government of the constitutional republic of fifty states that is the United States of America. The federal government comprises three distinct branches of government: a legislative, an executive and a judiciary. These branches and...
in the tumultuous days before the American Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. Jefferson Territory had only one governor, Robert Williamson SteeleRobert Williamson Steele was Governor of the extralegal Territory of Jefferson, which existed in the western United States of America from 1859 to 1861, when it was replaced by the Territory of Colorado.-Early life:...
. He proclaimed the territory dissolved on June 6, 1861, several months after the official formation of the Colorado TerritoryThe Territory of Colorado was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 28, 1861, until August 1, 1876, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Colorado....
, but only days after the arrival of its first governor.
Governors of the Territory of Colorado
- For the period before Colorado Territory was formed, see the lists of Governors of New Mexico Territory, Utah Territory, Kansas Territory, and Nebraska Territory.
Colorado TerritoryThe Territory of Colorado was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 28, 1861, until August 1, 1876, when it was admitted to the Union as the State of Colorado....
was organized on February 28, 1861, from parts of the territories of New Mexicothumb|right|240px|Proposed boundaries for State of New Mexico, 1850The Territory of New Mexico was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from September 9, 1850, until January 6, 1912, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of...
, UtahThe Territory of Utah was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from September 9, 1850, until January 4, 1896, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Utah....
, and NebraskaThe Territory of Nebraska was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 30, 1854, until March 1, 1867, when the final extent of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Nebraska. The Nebraska Territory was created by the Kansas–Nebraska Act of 1854...
, and the unorganized territory that was previously the western portion of Kansas TerritoryThe Territory of Kansas was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from May 30, 1854, until January 29, 1861, when the eastern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Kansas....
.
| Governor |
Took office |
Left office |
Appointed by |
Notes |
| {{sortname|William|Gilpin|William Gilpin (governor)}} |
{{dts|link=off|1861|3|25}} |
{{dts|link=off|1862|3|26}} |
{{sortname|Abraham|Lincoln}} |
{{#tag:ref|The territory was formed on February 28, 1861, but no governor was appointed until March 25, 1861. Gilpin himself did not arrive in the territory until May 27, 1861.|group="lower-alpha"}}{{#tag:ref|Removed from office for improper financial drafts from the federal treasury.|group="lower-alpha"}} |
| {{sortname|John|Evans|John Evans (governor)}} |
{{dts|link=off|1862|3|26}} |
{{dts|link=off|1865|10|17}} |
{{sortname|Abraham|Lincoln}} |
{{#tag:ref|Resigned at the request of President JohnsonAndrew Johnson was the 17th President of the United States . As Vice-President of the United States in 1865, he succeeded Abraham Lincoln following the latter's assassination. Johnson then presided over the initial and contentious Reconstruction era of the United States following the American...
following the Sand Creek MassacreAs conflict between Indians and white settlers and soldiers in Colorado continued, many of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, including bands under Cheyenne chiefs Black Kettle and White Antelope, were resigned to negotiate peace. The chiefs had sought to maintain peace in spite of pressures from whites...
. The resignation was requested on July 18, 1865.|group="lower-alpha"}} |
| {{sortname|Alexander|Cummings|Alexander Cummings (territorial governor)}} |
{{dts|link=off|1865|10|17}} |
{{dts|link=off|1867|4|24}} |
{{sortname|Andrew|Johnson}} |
|
| {{sortname|Alexander Cameron|Hunt}} |
{{dts|link=off|1867|4|24}} |
{{dts|link=off|1869|6|14}} |
{{sortname|Andrew|Johnson}} |
|
| {{sortname|Edward M.|McCook}} |
{{dts|link=off|1869|6|14}} |
{{dts|link=off|1873 |
}
|{{sortname|Ulysses S.|Grant}}
|{{#tag:ref|Removed from office by petition.|group="lower-alpha"}}
|-
|{{sortname|Samuel Hitt|Elbert}}
|{{dts|link=off|1873|4|4}}
|{{dts|link=off|1874||}}
|{{sortname|Ulysses S.|Grant}}
|{{#tag:ref|Records show Elbert served "less than a year", but his successor was appointed on June 19, 1874, which was 14 months after Elbert took office.|group="lower-alpha"}}
|-
|{{sortname|Edward M.|McCook}}
|{{dts|link=off|1874|6|19}}
|{{dts|link=off|1875|3|29}}
|{{sortname|Ulysses S.|Grant}}
|
|-
|{{sortname|John Long|Routt}}
|{{dts|link=off|1875|3|29}}
|{{dts|link=off|1876|8|1}}
|{{sortname|Ulysses S.|Grant}}
|
|}
Governors of the State of Colorado
{{stack|
}}
The State of Colorado was admitted to the Union on August 1, 1876.
To serve as Governor, one must be at least 30 years old, be a citizen of the United States, and have been a resident of the state for at least two years prior to election. The state constitution of 1876 originally called for election of the governor every two years, with their term beginning on the second Tuesday of the January following the election. An amendment passed in 1956, taking effect in 1959, increased terms to four years. Originally, there was no term limitA term limit is a legal restriction that limits the number of terms a person may serve in a particular elected office. When term limits are found in presidential and semi-presidential systems they act as a method to curb the potential for monopoly, where a leader effectively becomes "president for...
applied to the governor; a 1990 amendment allowed governors to succeed themselves only once. There is however no limit on the total number of terms one may serve as long as one who has served the two term limit is out of office for four years.
Should the office of governor become vacant, the lieutenant governorA lieutenant governor or lieutenant-governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction, but is often the deputy or lieutenant to or ranking under a governor — a "second-in-command"...
becomes governor. If both the offices governor and lieutenant governor are vacant, the line of succession moves down through the senior members of the state senate and state house of representatives of the same party as the governor. The lieutenant governor was elected separately from the governor until a 1968 amendment to the constitution made it so that they are elected on the same ticketA ticket refers to a single election choice which fills more than one political office or seat. For example, in the U.S., the candidates for President and Vice President run on the same "ticket", because they are elected together on a single ballot question rather than separately.A ticket can also...
.
{{legend2|{{Republican Party (United States)/meta/color}}|RepublicanThe Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
(19)[Includes two terms served by repeat governors.]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|{{Democratic Party (United States)/meta/color}}|DemocraticThe Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
(22)[Includes three terms served by repeat governors.]|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{{legend2|{{Populist Party (United States)/meta/color}}|PopulistThe People's Party, also known as the "Populists", was a short-lived political party in the United States established in 1891. It was most important in 1892-96, then rapidly faded away...
(1)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
#[The official numbering includes repeat governors.] |
Governor |
Term start |
Term end |
Party |
Lt. Governor The lieutenant governor of Colorado is the second-highest-ranking member of the executive department of the Colorado state government, below only the Governor of Colorado. The lieutenant governor, who acts as governor in his absence and succeeds to the governorship in case of vacancy, is elected on...
[Lieutenant governors represented the same party as their governor unless noted.] |
Terms[The fractional terms of some governors are not to be understood absolutely literally; rather, they are meant to show single terms during which multiple governors served, due to resignations, deaths and the like.] |
| 1 |
|
John Long Routt John Long Routt was a U.S. Republican political figure. Born in Eddyville, Kentucky, he served as the first and seventh Governor of Colorado from 1876 to 1879 and 1891 to 1893. He also served as Mayor of Denver, Colorado from 1883 to 1885...
|
August 1, 1876 |
January 14, 1879 |
RepublicanThe Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
|
|
Lafayette Head Lafayette Head was the first Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1876 to 1879 under John Long Routt.Lafayette Head was born at Head’s Fort, Howard County, Missouri. His grandfather, William Head, was a Revolutionary War veteran and a pioneer settler of central Missouri, arriving about...
|
1 |
| 2 |
|
Frederick Walker Pitkin Frederick Walker Pitkin , a U.S. Republican Party politician, served as the second Governor of Colorado from 1879 to 1883. Pitkin County, Colorado was named in his honor....
|
January 14, 1879 |
January 9, 1883 |
Republican |
|
Horace Austin Warner TaborHorace Austin Warner Tabor , also known as The Bonanza King of Leadville, was an American prospector, businessman, and politician. His life is the subject of Douglas Moore's opera, The Ballad of Baby Doe....
|
2 |
| 3 |
|
James Benton Grant James Benton Grant was an American mining engineer and the third Governor of Colorado from 1883 to 1885. He was born in Russell County, Alabama and died in Excelsior Springs, Missouri....
|
January 9, 1883 |
January 13, 1885 |
Democratic The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
|
|
William H. Meyer William H. Meyer was the third Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1883 to 1885 under James Benton Grant....
[Represented the Republican Party]The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
. |
1 |
| 4 |
|
Benjamin Harrison Eaton Benjamin Harrison Eaton was an American politician, entrepreneur and agriculturalist in the late 19th and early 20th century. Eaton was a founding officer of the Greeley Colony and was instrumental in the establishment of modern irrigation farming to Northern Colorado...
|
January 13, 1885 |
January 11, 1887 |
Republican |
|
Peter W. Breene Peter W. Breene was the fourth Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. He was a Republican and served from 1885 to 1887 under Governor Benjamin Harrison Eaton....
|
1 |
| 5 |
|
Alva Adams Alva Adams was an American politician. He was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin. He served as the fifth, tenth and 14th Governor of Colorado from 1887 to 1889, 1897 to 1899, and briefly in 1905. He died in Battle Creek, Michigan.Adams County, Colorado, is named for Alva Adams, and it's believed the...
|
January 11, 1887 |
January 8, 1889 |
Democratic |
|
Norman H. Meldrum Norman H. Meldrum was the fifth Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1887 to 1889 under Alva Adams. He had previously served in the American Civil War guarding the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. As lieutenant governor Meldrum introduced the legislation for the founding of...
|
1 |
| 6 |
|
Job Adams Cooper Job Adams Cooper was a U.S. Republican Party politician. He served as the sixth Governor of the State of Colorado from 1889 to 1891.-Early life:...
|
January 8, 1889 |
January 13, 1891 |
Republican |
|
William Grover Smith William Grover Smith was the sixth Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1889 to 1891 under Job Adams Cooper....
|
1 |
| 7 |
|
John Long Routt John Long Routt was a U.S. Republican political figure. Born in Eddyville, Kentucky, he served as the first and seventh Governor of Colorado from 1876 to 1879 and 1891 to 1893. He also served as Mayor of Denver, Colorado from 1883 to 1885...
|
January 13, 1891 |
January 10, 1893 |
Republican |
|
William Story William Story was a United States federal judge and later the seventh Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1891 to 1893 under John Long Routt....
|
1 |
| 8 |
|
Davis Hanson WaiteDavis Hanson Waite , U.S. Populist Party and Democratic Party politician, served as the eighth Governor of Colorado from 1893 to 1895...
|
January 10, 1893 |
January 8, 1895 |
Populist The People's Party, also known as the "Populists", was a short-lived political party in the United States established in 1891. It was most important in 1892-96, then rapidly faded away...
|
|
David Hopkinson Nichols |
1 |
| 9 |
|
Albert Washington McIntire Albert Washington McIntire was an American Republican politician. He was the ninth Governor of Colorado from 1895 to 1897...
|
January 8, 1895 |
January 12, 1897 |
Republican |
|
Jared L. Brush Jared L. Brush was the ninth Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. He was a Republican and served from 1895 to 1899 under governors Albert Washington McIntire and Alva Adams....
|
1 |
| 10 |
|
Alva Adams Alva Adams was an American politician. He was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin. He served as the fifth, tenth and 14th Governor of Colorado from 1887 to 1889, 1897 to 1899, and briefly in 1905. He died in Battle Creek, Michigan.Adams County, Colorado, is named for Alva Adams, and it's believed the...
|
January 12, 1897 |
January 10, 1899 |
Democratic |
|
Jared L. Brush Jared L. Brush was the ninth Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. He was a Republican and served from 1895 to 1899 under governors Albert Washington McIntire and Alva Adams....
|
1 |
| 11 |
|
Charles Spalding ThomasCharles Spalding Thomas was a United States Senator from Colorado. Born in Darien, McIntosh County, Georgia, he attended private schools in Georgia and Connecticut, and served briefly in the Confederate Army.-Biography:...
|
January 10, 1899 |
January 8, 1901 |
Democratic |
|
Francis Patrick Carney Francis Patrick Carney was the tenth Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, United States. He was a member of the Populist party and served from 1899 to 1901 under Governor Charles Spalding Thomas....
[Represented the Populist Party]The People's Party, also known as the "Populists", was a short-lived political party in the United States established in 1891. It was most important in 1892-96, then rapidly faded away...
. |
1 |
| 12 |
|
James Bradley Orman James Bradley Orman was an American politician and railroad builder. He served as the 12th Governor of Colorado from 1901 to 1903. He was a Democrat....
|
January 8, 1901 |
January 13, 1903 |
Democratic |
|
David C. Coates David Courtney Coates was a Pueblo, Colorado businessman, a radical, the 11th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, secretary of Colorado's State Federation of Labor, and a friend to Big Bill Haywood.Coates was born in Brandon, England....
{{#tag:ref|The Colorado State Archives labels Coates a Democrat; however, a contemporary New York Times article describes him as a Populist elected on a fusion ticket, and that he had renounced all other parties and become a Socialist.|group="lower-alpha"}} |
1 |
| 13 |
|
James Hamilton Peabody James Hamilton Peabody was the 13th and 15th Governor of Colorado, and is noted for his public service in Cañon City.-Family background:...
|
January 13, 1903 |
January 10, 1905 |
Republican |
|
Warren A. Haggott Warren Armstrong Haggott was a U.S. Representative from Colorado.Born near Sidney, Ohio, Haggott attended the common schools, Sidney Grammar School, and Xenia College....
{{#tag:ref|The Colorado State Archives says Haggott served from 1902 to 1903; however, multiple sources say he served with Peabody well into 1904, so it is assumed the Archives are in error.|group="lower-alpha"}} |
1 |
| 14 |
|
Alva Adams Alva Adams was an American politician. He was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin. He served as the fifth, tenth and 14th Governor of Colorado from 1887 to 1889, 1897 to 1899, and briefly in 1905. He died in Battle Creek, Michigan.Adams County, Colorado, is named for Alva Adams, and it's believed the...
|
January 10, 1905 |
March 17, 1905 |
Democratic |
|
Arthur Cornforth Arthur Cornforth was the 14th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from January to March 1905 under Alva Adams....
|
{{frac|1|3}}[The 1904 election was rife with fraud and controversy. Alva Adams won election, but soon after he took office the Republican legislature declared James Peabody to be the actual winner, on the condition that Peabody immediately resign. Since Peabody had been governor for a few moments before resigning, it was his lieutenant governor, Jesse McDonald, that succeeded to the governorship. In all, Colorado had three governors on March 17, 1905.] |
| 15 |
|
James Hamilton Peabody James Hamilton Peabody was the 13th and 15th Governor of Colorado, and is noted for his public service in Cañon City.-Family background:...
|
March 17, 1905 |
March 17, 1905 |
Republican |
|
Jesse Fuller McDonald Jesse Fuller McDonald was an American public official civil engineer and surveyor, born in Ashtabula, Ohio.Colorado's 16th governor was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, on June 30, 1858. After completing his education in Ohio's public school system, he studied civil engineering and surveying...
|
{{frac|1|3}} |
| 16 |
|
Jesse Fuller McDonald Jesse Fuller McDonald was an American public official civil engineer and surveyor, born in Ashtabula, Ohio.Colorado's 16th governor was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, on June 30, 1858. After completing his education in Ohio's public school system, he studied civil engineering and surveying...
|
March 17, 1905 |
January 8, 1907 |
Republican |
|
Fred W. Parks Fred W. Parks was the 15th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, United States, serving from 1905 to 1907 under Jesse Fuller McDonald....
|
{{frac|1|3}} |
| 17 |
|
Henry Augustus Buchtel Henry Augustus Buchtel was an American minister, educator, and public official, born near Akron, Ohio. He was the seventeenth governor of Colorado....
|
January 8, 1907 |
January 12, 1909 |
Republican |
|
Erastus Harper Erastus R. Harper was the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1907 to 1909 under Henry Augustus Buchtel....
|
1 |
| 18 |
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John F. Shafroth John Franklin Shafroth was a United States Representative and Senator from Colorado. Born in Fayette, Missouri, he attended the common schools and graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1875. He studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1876 and commenced practice in Fayette...
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January 12, 1909 |
January 14, 1913 |
Democratic |
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Stephen R. Fitzgarrald Stephen R. Fitzgarrald was the 17th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1909 to 1915 under John F. Shafroth and Elias M. Ammons.-Early life:...
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2 |
| 19 |
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Elias M. Ammons Elias Milton Ammons , originally a Republican, was the elected Democratic 19th Governor of Colorado from 1913 to 1915. Born in 1860 in Macon County, North Carolina, he is perhaps best remembered for ordering National Guard troops into Ludlow, Colorado during the Ludlow Massacre...
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January 14, 1913 |
January 12, 1915 |
Democratic |
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Stephen R. Fitzgarrald Stephen R. Fitzgarrald was the 17th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1909 to 1915 under John F. Shafroth and Elias M. Ammons.-Early life:...
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1 |
| 20 |
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George Alfred CarlsonGeorge Alfred Carlson was the 20th Governor of Colorado from 1915-17.-Biography:Carlson graduated from the University of Colorado in 1902 and earned his law degree there in 1904. He practiced law in Fort Collins, Colorado from 1905-08, and was district attorney in Fort Collins from 1908-14...
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January 12, 1915 |
January 9, 1917 |
Republican |
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Moses E. Lewis Moses E. Lewis was the 18th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1915 to 1917 under George Alfred Carlson....
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1 |
| 21 |
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Julius Caldeen Gunter Julius Caldeen Gunter was the 21st Governor of Colorado from January 9, 1917 until his term ended on January 14, 1919.He was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and earned a LL.D Degree...
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January 9, 1917 |
January 14, 1919 |
Democratic |
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James A. Pulliam |
1 |
| 22 |
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Oliver Henry ShoupOliver Henry Nelson Shoup was the 22nd Governor of Colorado from 1919–1923.Oliver Shoup was born in Champaign County, Illinois on December 13, 1869 to William and Delia Shoup. He lived in Illinois, until he was 13 years old, when they moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado...
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January 14, 1919 |
January 9, 1923 |
Republican |
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George Stepham George Stepham was the 20th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1919 to 1921 under Oliver Henry Shoup....
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2 |
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Earl Cooley |
| 23 |
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William Ellery Sweet William Ellery Sweet was the 23rd Governor of Colorado from 1923-1925.- Early life and career :William was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 27, 1869 to Channing and Emeroy Sweet. His family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1872 when William was two. He attended school there, and...
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January 9, 1923 |
January 13, 1925 |
Democratic |
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Robert F. Rockwell Robert Fay Rockwell was a U.S. Representative from Colorado.Born in Cortland, New York, Rockwell attended the public schools of New York State, the Hill School, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and Princeton University.He moved to Paonia, Colorado, in 1907 and engaged in cattle raising and fruit...
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1 |
| 24 |
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Clarence Morley Clarence Joseph Morley was the 24th Governor of Colorado from 1925 to 1927, serving one two-year term. He was a Republican. Before becoming governor he was a judge in Denver, Colorado...
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January 13, 1925 |
January 11, 1927 |
Republican |
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Sterling Byrd Lacy Sterling Byrd Lacy was the 23rd Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1925 to 1927 under Clarence Morley....
[Represented the Democratic Party]The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
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1 |
| 25 |
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Billy Adams William Herbert Adams , better known as Billy Adams, was the 25th Governor of the State of Colorado, United States, from 1927 until 1933....
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January 11, 1927 |
January 10, 1933 |
Democratic |
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George Milton Corlett George Milton Corlett was the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1927 to 1931 under William Herbert Adams....
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3 |
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Edwin C. Johnson Edwin Carl Johnson was a Democratic Party politician who served as Governor of the state of Colorado.-Background:...
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| 26 |
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Edwin C. Johnson Edwin Carl Johnson was a Democratic Party politician who served as Governor of the state of Colorado.-Background:...
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January 10, 1933 |
January 1, 1937 |
Democratic |
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Ray Herbert Talbot Raymond Herbert Talbot was a Colorado politician who served as the 27th Governor of Colorado for ten days in 1937....
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{{frac|1|1|2}}[Resigned to take elected seat in the United States Senate.] |
| 27 |
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Ray Herbert Talbot Raymond Herbert Talbot was a Colorado politician who served as the 27th Governor of Colorado for ten days in 1937....
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January 1, 1937 |
January 12, 1937 |
Democratic |
vacant |
{{frac|1|2}}[As lieutenant governor, filled unexpired term.] |
| 28 |
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Teller Ammons Teller Ammons was the 28th Governor of Colorado from 1937 to 1939.Ammons was the son of Colorado Governor Elias M. Ammons, and was named for his father's friend, U.S. Senator Henry Moore Teller...
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January 12, 1937 |
January 10, 1939 |
Democratic |
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Frank J. Hayes |
1 |
| 29 |
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Ralph Lawrence CarrRalph Lawrence Carr was the 29th Governor of Colorado from 1939 to 1943. Born in Rosita in Custer County, he grew up in Cripple Creek in Teller County and graduated from Cripple Creek High School in 1905. A Republican, Carr was committed to fiscal restraint in state government and opposed the...
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January 10, 1939 |
January 12, 1943 |
Republican |
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John Charles Vivian John Charles Vivian was a United States attorney, journalist, and Republican politician who served as the 30th Governor of the State of Colorado from 1943 to 1947. He was the first Lt. Governor of Colorado to be elected Governor.John Charles Vivian was born in Golden, Colorado, on June 30, 1889...
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2 |
| 30 |
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John Charles Vivian John Charles Vivian was a United States attorney, journalist, and Republican politician who served as the 30th Governor of the State of Colorado from 1943 to 1947. He was the first Lt. Governor of Colorado to be elected Governor.John Charles Vivian was born in Golden, Colorado, on June 30, 1889...
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January 12, 1943 |
January 14, 1947 |
Republican |
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William Eugene Higby William Eugene Higby was the 29th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1943 to 1947 under John Charles Vivian....
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2 |
| 31 |
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William Lee Knous William Lee Knous was a Colorado Democratic state legislator, state Supreme Court justice and the 31st Governor of Colorado, and a U.S. district judge....
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January 14, 1947 |
April 15, 1950 |
Democratic |
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Homer L. Pearson Homer L. Pearson was the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1947 to 1949 under William Lee Knous....
|
{{frac|1|1|2}}[Resigned to take seat on the United States District Court for the District of Colorado]The United States District Court for the District of Colorado is the Federal district court whose jurisdiction is the state of Colorado. The United States Congress organized Colorado as a single judicial district on June 26, 1876, by 19 Stat. 61...
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Walter Walford Johnson Walter Walford Johnson was a United States businessman and Democratic politician who served as the 32nd Governor of the State of Colorado from 1950 to 1951....
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| 32 |
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Walter Walford Johnson Walter Walford Johnson was a United States businessman and Democratic politician who served as the 32nd Governor of the State of Colorado from 1950 to 1951....
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April 15, 1950 |
January 9, 1951 |
Democratic |
|
Charles P. Murphy |
{{frac|1|2}} |
| 33 |
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Daniel I.J. Thornton Daniel I.J. Thornton was a United States cattle breeder and Republican politician who served as the 33rd Governor of the State of Colorado from 1951 to 1955....
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January 9, 1951 |
January 11, 1955 |
Republican |
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Gordon L. Allott Gordon Llewellyn Allott was a Republican American politician.Born in Pueblo, Colorado, Allott graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1927 and from its law school in 1929. He was admitted to the bar in 1929 and commenced practice in Pueblo...
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2 |
| 34 |
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Edwin C. Johnson Edwin Carl Johnson was a Democratic Party politician who served as Governor of the state of Colorado.-Background:...
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January 11, 1955 |
January 8, 1957 |
Democratic |
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Stephen L.R. McNichols Stephen Lucid Robert McNichols was Colorado's 35th Governor from 1957 to 1963. McNichols' father William H. McNichols, Denver's well-respected auditor for over thirty years, was influential in steering his two sons Bill and Stephen toward their success in state politics...
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1 |
| 35 |
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Stephen L.R. McNichols Stephen Lucid Robert McNichols was Colorado's 35th Governor from 1957 to 1963. McNichols' father William H. McNichols, Denver's well-respected auditor for over thirty years, was influential in steering his two sons Bill and Stephen toward their success in state politics...
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January 8, 1957 |
January 8, 1963 |
Democratic |
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Frank L. Hays Frank L. Hays was the 35th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, United States. He was a Republican and served from 1957 to 1959 under Governor Stephen L.R. McNichols....
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2[Gubernatorial terms changed from two to four years during McNichols' term; his first term was two years, his second term was four years.] |
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Robert Lee Knous Robert Lee Knous was the 36th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1959 to 1967 under Stephen L.R. McNichols and John Arthur Love....
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| 36 |
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John Arthur Love John Arthur Love was a United States attorney and Republican politician who served as the 36th Governor of the State of Colorado from 1963 to 1973....
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January 8, 1963 |
July 16, 1973 |
Republican |
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Robert Lee Knous Robert Lee Knous was the 36th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1959 to 1967 under Stephen L.R. McNichols and John Arthur Love....
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{{frac|2|1|2}}[Resigned to be Director of the Office of Energy Policy.] |
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Mark Anthony Hogan Mark Anthony Hogan was the 37th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. He was a Democrat and served from 1967 to 1971 under John Arthur Love....
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John David Vanderhoof John David Vanderhoof served as the 37th Governor of Colorado from 1973-1975 as a Republican. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado under John Arthur Love from 1971 until 1973 when Love was appointed to the National Energy Policy Office by President Richard Nixon...
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| 37 |
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John David Vanderhoof John David Vanderhoof served as the 37th Governor of Colorado from 1973-1975 as a Republican. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado under John Arthur Love from 1971 until 1973 when Love was appointed to the National Energy Policy Office by President Richard Nixon...
|
July 16, 1973 |
January 14, 1975 |
Republican |
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Ted L. Strickland Ted L. Strickland was the 39th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1973 to 1975 under John David Vanderhoof.-References:...
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{{frac|1|2}} |
| 38 |
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Richard "Dick" LammRichard Douglas "Dick" Lamm is an American politician, Certified Public Accountant, college professor, and lawyer. He served three terms as 38th Governor of Colorado as a Democrat and ran for the Reform Party's nomination for President of the United States in 1996.He is currently the Co-Director...
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January 14, 1975 |
January 13, 1987 |
Democratic |
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George L. BrownGeorge Leslie Brown was an American politician. He served in the Colorado Senate from 1955 to 1974 and as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado from 1975 to 1979. He was also a Sr. Vice President with Grumman Corporation. During World War II, he served as a Tuskegee Airman...
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3 |
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Nancy E. Dick Nancy E. Dick was the 41st Lieutenant Governor of Colorado. She was a Democrat and served from 1979 to 1987 under Governor Richard Lamm. She was Colorado's first female lieutenant governor....
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| 39 |
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Roy Romer |
January 13, 1987 |
January 12, 1999 |
Democratic |
|
Mike Callihan Michael Callihan was the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1987 to 1994 under Roy Romer. He was an unsuccessful candidate for congress in 1992, losing to Republican Scott McInnis.-References:...
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3 |
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Samuel H. Cassidy Samuel H. Cassidy is an attorney and has been a professor at the University of Denver since 2000, where he has taught law and ethics. He was the 43rd Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, serving from 1994 to 1995 under Roy Romer...
|
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Gail Schoettler Gail S. Schoettler was the 44th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado from 1995 to 1999. She had previously served as Colorado State Treasurer from 1987 to 1995.-1998 Governor Race:...
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| 40 |
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Bill Owens |
January 12, 1999 |
January 9, 2007 |
Republican |
|
Joe Rogers Joseph B. Rogers is a politician who was the youngest Lieutenant Governor in Colorado history.Rogers is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity....
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2 |
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Jane E. Norton Jane E. Norton was the 46th Lieutenant Governor for the State of Colorado and an unsuccessful Republican candidate for a party nomination to compete for a U.S. Senate seat to challenge Senator Michael Bennet in the 2010 election...
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| 41 |
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Bill Ritter |
January 9, 2007 |
January 11, 2011 |
Democratic |
|
Barbara O'BrienBarbara O'Brien was the 47th Lieutenant Governor of Colorado from 2007 to 2011. She is a Democrat. She was chosen as running mate by Bill Ritter, the Democratic candidate for governor in the 2006 election. The Ritter/O'Brien ticket won with 56.99% of the vote. As Lieutenant Governor she made...
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1 |
| 42 |
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John HickenlooperJohn Wright Hickenlooper is an American politician and current Governor of Colorado. A Democrat, he was previously the Mayor of Denver, Colorado from 2003 to 2011.-Early life, education and career:...
|
January 11, 2011 |
Incumbent |
Democratic |
|
Joseph A. Garcia Joseph A. Garcia , is the 48th and current Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, having taken office in January 2011.-Educational background:...
|
1[Governor Hickenlooper's first term expires on January 13, 2015; he is not yet term limit]A term limit is a legal restriction that limits the number of terms a person may serve in a particular elected office. When term limits are found in presidential and semi-presidential systems they act as a method to curb the potential for monopoly, where a leader effectively becomes "president for...
ed. |
Other high offices held
Three of Colorado's governors have served other high offices, all three representing Colorado in the U.S. SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
and one of those also representing the state in the U.S. HouseThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
. One (marked with *) resigned to take his seat in the Senate.
| Governor |
Gubernatorial term |
Other offices held |
Source |
| {{sortname|Charles Spalding|Thomas}} |
1899–1901 |
SenatorThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
|
|
| {{sortname|John Franklin|Shafroth|John F. Shafroth}} |
1909–1913 |
RepresentativeThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
, Senator |
|
| {{sortname|Edwin Carl|Johnson|Edwin C. Johnson}} |
1933–1937, 1955–1957 |
Senator* |
|
Living former governors
{{As of|2011|3}}, five former governors were alive. The most recent death of a former governor was that of John Arthur LoveJohn Arthur Love was a United States attorney and Republican politician who served as the 36th Governor of the State of Colorado from 1963 to 1973....
(1963–1973), who died on January 21, 2002.
| Governor |
Term of office |
Date of birth |
| John David Vanderhoof John David Vanderhoof served as the 37th Governor of Colorado from 1973-1975 as a Republican. He served as Lieutenant Governor of Colorado under John Arthur Love from 1971 until 1973 when Love was appointed to the National Energy Policy Office by President Richard Nixon...
|
1973–1975 |
May 27, 1922 (age 89) |
Richard "Dick" LammRichard Douglas "Dick" Lamm is an American politician, Certified Public Accountant, college professor, and lawyer. He served three terms as 38th Governor of Colorado as a Democrat and ran for the Reform Party's nomination for President of the United States in 1996.He is currently the Co-Director...
|
1975–1987 |
September 12, 1935 (age 76) |
| Roy Romer |
1987–1999 |
October 31, 1928 (age 83) |
| Bill Owens |
1999–2007 |
October 22, 1950 (age 61) |
| Bill Ritter |
2007–2011 |
September 06, 1956 (age 55) |
External links
{{commonscat | Governors of Colorado}}
{{Lists of US Governors}}
{{Governors of Colorado}}
{{Colorado}}
{{featured list}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Colorado, List of Governors of}}
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