Chris Richardson

Political Party: Republican

District: Colorado House District 56

Representing Counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Cheyenne, El Paso, Elbert, Kit Carson, and Lincoln

Chris Richardson is a Colorado State Representative first elected on November 5, 2024, to serve House District 56, which encompasses communities including Aurora, Ponderosa Park, Strasburg, Burlington, and Bennett. Born on August 19, 1966, Richardson is a proud resident of Elbert County and brings extensive experience in military service, public leadership, and civic engagement to his role.

Prior to his election to the state legislature, Richardson dedicated himself to community service, including two terms as an Elbert County Commissioner and leadership positions in numerous regional and state boards. He served as Chair of the Eastern Colorado Council of Local Governments and President of the Eastern Region of the statewide organization of County Commissioners. Additionally, Richardson has served on the Colorado Commission on Property Taxation, the Eastern Transportation Planning Region , and the State Transportation Advisory Committee. He also represents rural eastern Colorado on the state's Broadband Deployment Board and serves on the Region 4 Opioid Abatement Council.

As an advocate for education reform, Richardson served on the Elizabeth School District Board, where he worked to improve curriculum choice and reduce government overreach.

Education and Military Service

Richardson was raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, and received an ROTC scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied mechanical engineering. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Infantry and served as an anti-tank Platoon Leader in the 101st Airborne Division during Desert Storm in Iraq. He transferred to the Ordnance Corps and held various command and staff positions throughout his 23-year military career, culminating at the rank of Colonel in command of the 43rd Sustainment Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Political Experience and Current Positions

In the Colorado House of Representatives, Richardson serves on the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee and holds the position of Ranking Member of the House Transportation, Housing and Local Government Committee. He also serves as Chair of the House Republicans Amendments Committee, a key component of floor debates on proposed legislation. Richardson is a valued member of the House Second Amendment Caucus and the Legislature's Rural Caucus.

As a lifelong Republican, Richardson is committed to protecting individual freedoms, supporting local control, and advancing policies that reflect the values of Colorado's citizens. His three general legislative priorities focus on protecting individual rights, reducing government intrusion into the lives and businesses of citizens, and strengthening TABOR through reduced spending.