Barbara Kirkmeyer

Barbara Jean Kirkmeyer is a Republican politician and 4th-generation Coloradan who has lived in Southern Weld County for over 35 years. Born September 15, 1958, she began her community service in 1992 after organizing neighbors to oppose the placement of regional solid waste facilities in her area. Before entering politics, she co-owned and operated a dairy farm and worked as a small business owner for over 15 years. Kirkmeyer is a mother of two daughters and grandmother of six grandsons.

Education

Kirkmeyer earned a Bachelor of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Colorado–Boulder in 1980 and received her teaching certificate from the State of Colorado that same year.

Political Experience

State Senate

Kirkmeyer has served as a State Senator representing District 23 since 2020, which encompasses parts of Weld and Larimer counties. She was appointed Minority Whip of the Colorado State Senate in 2023 and currently serves on the Joint Budget Committee and Appropriations Committee. During her tenure, she has sponsored 49 passed bills and has been recognized by Colorado Politics as one of the legislature's most effective members, passing more measures than any other Republican legislator.

County Commission

She served as a Weld County Commissioner for approximately 19 years across two separate periods: from 1993 to 2001 and again from 2008 to 2020. During her tenure, she made Weld County Colorado's only large, debt-free county and received Commissioner of the Year awards in 1993 and 2019 from Colorado Counties, Inc.

State Administration

Following her first term on the county commission, Kirkmeyer served as the Acting Executive Director of the Department of Local Affairs in Governor Bill Owens' administration.

Current Candidacy

Kirkmeyer is a candidate in the 2026 Colorado gubernatorial election.