Milliken Colorado 2026 Election Candidates

Summary

The April 7, 2026 Milliken municipal election features 12 candidates competing for 3 Board of Trustee seats (4-year terms). Mayor Elizabeth Austin’s term expires in 2028, so the mayoral seat is not on this ballot. All municipal elections in Milliken are non-partisan. At the state and county level, Milliken voters will also see contested races for U.S. House District 8, Colorado House District 64, and multiple Weld County positions.

Original Query

“Who is running in the Milliken Colorado election in 2026?”

Expanded Questions

1. What municipal offices are up for election in Milliken, Colorado in 2026?
2. Who are the declared candidates for Milliken town board/mayor in 2026?
3. When is the Milliken Colorado 2026 election date and what is the filing deadline?
4. Are there any Weld County or state-level races affecting Milliken in 2026?
5. What are the backgrounds and political leanings of each candidate?

Findings

What municipal offices are up for election?

The April 7, 2026 municipal election includes three Board of Trustee positions, each for a four-year term. Voters may select up to three trustees from the field of 12 candidates. The Mayor position is not on the 2026 ballot—Mayor Elizabeth Austin’s term expires in 2028.

Sources:

• Town of Milliken News Flash — Official announcement of election and candidates
• Town Board of Trustees — Current board and term expiration dates
• Town of Milliken General Elections — Election overview, non-partisan confirmation

When is the election and what are key dates?

• Election Day: April 7, 2026 (mail-ballot election)
• Ballots mailed: March 16, 2026
• Filing deadline: Late January 2026 (exact date not specified; candidates had filed by January 29, 2026)

Sources:

• Town of Milliken Official Announcement — Election date and ballot mailing date
• The Johnstown Breeze — January 29 article confirming candidates filed

Candidate Profiles & Political Analysis

⚠️ Note: Municipal elections in Milliken are officially non-partisan. Candidates do not list party affiliations on ballots. The political leanings below are inferred from professional backgrounds, stated priorities, and public information. These assessments should be treated as speculative unless explicitly confirmed by the candidate.

1. Dan J. Dean (Incumbent)

Age: Not specified
Occupation: Mayor Pro Tem / Current Trustee
Residency: Milliken resident
Political Experience: Current Mayor Pro Tem, first elected 2022

Background: Dan Dean is the only incumbent in this race. He currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem (term expires 2026) and was previously elected to the Board of Trustees in April 2022 with 297 votes. As Mayor Pro Tem, he has served in a leadership role on the board for the past four years.

Stated Priorities: (From official bio)

• Guide Milliken’s growth responsibly
• Protect taxpayers
• Ensure residents have a voice in town decisions

Political Inference: ⚪ Likely Conservative-Leaning

• Serves on the Colorado Municipal League (CML) — a nonpartisan organization, but CML board includes many small-town officials from conservative areas
• His bio emphasizes “protect taxpayers” and “guide growth responsibly” — language often associated with fiscal conservatism
• As an incumbent in Weld County (solidly Republican), likely aligns with local establishment

Electoral Advantage: High — name recognition, incumbent status, proven vote-getter

2. Riki Rarick

Age: 61
Occupation: Emergency Services Director
Residency: 3 years in Milliken

Background: Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and disabled veteran. Featured on “America’s Veterans Stories” discussing his military career, which included 35-36 combat tours. Served as Operations Director for 9 large military bases with populations ranging from 1,000 to 230,000 people — experience he describes as equivalent to being a town Mayor or County Commissioner. Describes himself as a “farm family member, businessman, father.”

Stated Priorities:

• Strong infrastructure
• Safe communities
• Financial accountability
• Environmental issues
• “Stronger choices and a team of new Trustees with new and better ideas”

Political Inference: 🔴 Likely Conservative

• Marine veteran, retired military — demographic that leans Republican
• Emphasis on “financial accountability” and “strong infrastructure”
• Rural/farming background
• Self-description as wanting to “lead the town of Milliken into a brighter future” with “stronger choices” suggests reform-minded, possibly anti-establishment conservative
• Relatively new resident (3 years) running against incumbent — could signal dissatisfaction with current board

Electoral Advantage: Medium-High — impressive credentials, veteran status, clear leadership experience

3. William “BJ” Cummins

Age: Not specified
Occupation: Owner, American Air Heating and Air Conditioning
Residency: 15+ years in Milliken

Background: Small business owner operating in Windsor and serving Northern Colorado. His company is locally owned.

Stated Priorities:

• Guide Milliken’s growth responsibly
• Protect taxpayers
• Ensure residents have a voice in the future of the town
• Understands real-world impact of town decisions on families, neighborhoods, and local businesses

Political Inference: 🔴 Likely Conservative

• Small business owner — demographic that leans Republican
• Language about “protect taxpayers” and “responsible growth” is conservative-coded
• Long-time resident (15+ years) suggests stake in maintaining community character
• Similar messaging to Dan Dean (incumbent), suggesting possible alignment with current board

Electoral Advantage: Medium — business owner credentials, long residency

4. Nichole Rodriguez

Age: 49
Occupation: Certified Fraud Examiner and Accountant
Residency: 12 years in Milliken

Background: Professional background in forensic accounting and fraud examination. This suggests strong financial and auditing expertise.

Stated Priorities:

• Support growth
• Infrastructure
• Community engagement

Political Inference: ⚪ Unclear / Possibly Moderate

• Certified Fraud Examiner is a professional credential, not political
• Financial expertise could appeal across party lines
• Limited political signals in available information
• 12-year resident suggests established community ties

Electoral Advantage: Medium — professional credentials could appeal to voters concerned about fiscal oversight

5. Jesus Lara Jr.

Age: 41
Occupation: Field Area Manager
Residency: 12 years in Milliken

Background: Works as a field area manager (industry not specified). Long-time resident who describes having “deep roots in the community.”

Stated Priorities:

• Cares deeply about Milliken’s future
• Has watched the town “change and grow”
• Wants to contribute to community direction

Political Inference: ⚪ Unclear

• Hispanic surname in a majority-white community (Milliken is ~75% white)
• No clear political signals in available information
• Field area manager could be in agriculture, construction, or sales
• Emphasis on community roots and growth suggests stakeholder perspective

Electoral Advantage: Medium — long residency, could mobilize Hispanic voters if active in that community

6. Derek Lucero

Age: Not specified
Occupation: Commercial construction background, degree in business management
Residency: Not specified, described as Colorado native

Background: Colorado native with a background in commercial construction and a degree in business management. Mentions working “closely with Colorado” on public policy, suggesting some government or advocacy experience.

Stated Priorities:

• Keep Milliken a place where “neighbors look out for one another”
• Families can thrive
• “Lifetime of service” and “proven record of advocacy”

Political Inference: 🟡 Possibly Progressive-Leaning

• Emphasis on “neighbors looking out for one another” and community welfare
• Mention of “advocacy” could indicate progressive activism, though unclear on what issues
• “Lifetime of service” language can be progressive-coded
• Hispanic surname — could have community ties similar to Lara
• Note: There is a 2025 Colorado Court of Appeals case “Peo v Lucero” — unclear if related

Electoral Advantage: Medium — policy experience, native Coloradan appeal

7. Stephanie Lewis

Age: 48
Occupation: Community advocate, educator, wellness leader
Residency: Long-time resident (described as “long-time”)

Background: Three decades of experience “strengthening families, schools, and communities across the country.” Background in education and wellness.

Stated Priorities:

• Community advocacy
• Education
• Family strengthening
• Wellness

Political Inference: 🔵 Likely Progressive

• “Community advocate” and “educator” are progressive-coded professions
• “Wellness leader” suggests focus on public health and social services
• “Strengthening families, schools, and communities” aligns with progressive priorities
• 30 years of advocacy work suggests career in social services or nonprofit sector

Electoral Advantage: Medium — could mobilize progressive voters, but Milliken is a conservative area

8. Steven Strain

Age: Not specified
Occupation: Not specified
Residency: Not specified

Background: First-time candidate. Successfully led a campaign to amend a town code that was “impacting many Milliken residents.” This demonstrates grassroots organizing ability and willingness to challenge existing policies.

Stated Priorities:

• Commitment to “townspeople”
• Improving lives of those around him
• Responsiveness to resident concerns

Political Inference: 🟡 Populist / Reform-Minded

• Led successful code amendment campaign — suggests willingness to challenge status quo
• Could be progressive (if code was restrictive) or conservative (if code was overreaching regulation)
• Without knowing what code he amended, hard to determine political leaning
• “Commitment to townspeople” suggests anti-establishment, populist orientation

Electoral Advantage: Medium — proven ability to organize and mobilize residents

9. Benjamin Francis Kole

Age: 49
Occupation: Stay-at-home parent
Residency: 9 years in Milliken

Background: Graduated from Montclair State University (New Jersey) in 2000 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Pre-Law Studies. Now a stay-at-home parent.

Stated Priorities:

• (Limited info available from official bio)

Political Inference: ⚪ Unclear

• Psychology degree with pre-law minor could indicate interest in social services or legal advocacy
• Stay-at-home parent could suggest focus on family issues
• From New Jersey originally — may bring different perspective to Colorado small town
• No clear political signals

Electoral Advantage: Low-Medium — limited public information, may struggle with name recognition

10. Valerie “Val” Colter

Age: 69
Occupation: Retired Postal Employee
Residency: ~44 years in Milliken

Background: Moved to Colorado in 1980 from Upstate New York. Worked for the postal service until retirement 3 years ago. Enjoys gardening, walking, fishing, camping, cooking, canning, and animals.

Stated Priorities:

• “Have input on the affairs of the Town from my peers’ points of view”
• No previous political experience
• Ran for the Board “about 40 or more years ago”

Political Inference: ⚪ Unclear / Civic-Minded Moderate

• Retired postal worker — union background could suggest Democratic leanings, but also could be apolitical
• Very long residency (44 years) suggests deep community investment
• Previous run for office 40 years ago indicates long-standing civic interest
• “Peers’ points of view” suggests representing ordinary residents, not special interests
• Age 69, retired — may appeal to senior voters

Electoral Advantage: Medium — deep community roots, could appeal to long-time residents and seniors

11. Paula Straley

Age: 62
Occupation: Retired
Residency: 24 years in Milliken

Background: Retired, proud grandmother of 6 grandchildren. Enjoys attending their sporting events and crafting with them. Enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Stated Priorities:

• (Limited info available from official bio)

Political Inference: ⚪ Unclear

• Retired, grandmother — limited political signals
• 24-year residency suggests community investment
• Focus on family activities suggests traditional values, but not necessarily political
• No professional background stated

Electoral Advantage: Low-Medium — limited differentiation from other candidates

12. Ireon Pentico

Age: Not specified
Occupation: Not specified
Residency: Not specified

Background: Very limited information available. The name “Ireon” is uncommon and may be a variant spelling. Some public records show “Ireon Pentico” in historical census data for California.

Stated Priorities:

• (Limited info available from official bio)

Political Inference: ⚪ Unclear

• Insufficient information to assess

Electoral Advantage: Low — limited public presence or information

Political Landscape Summary

Estimated Political Distribution

Key Dynamics

Incumbent vs. Challengers:

• Dan Dean is the only incumbent. His re-election is likely but not guaranteed given the large field.
• Riki Rarick’s military credentials and reform rhetoric could appeal to voters wanting change.

Business vs. Community Advocates:

• Business owners (Cummins, possibly Lara) may emphasize economic development
• Advocates (Lewis, Lucero, Strain) may emphasize community services and resident concerns

Long-time Residents vs. Newcomers:

• Val Colter (44 years), Paula Straley (24 years), BJ Cummins (15+ years) — deep roots
• Riki Rarick (3 years) — newcomer but brings extensive leadership experience

Electability Factors:

• Highest: Dan Dean (incumbent), Riki Rarick (veteran, leadership experience)
• Medium-High: BJ Cummins (business owner, long residency), Stephanie Lewis (advocacy experience)
• Medium: Nichole Rodriguez (professional credentials), Jesus Lara Jr. (community roots), Steven Strain (proven organizer), Derek Lucero (policy experience)
• Lower: Val Colter, Paula Straley, Benjamin Kole, Ireon Pentico (limited differentiation or information)

What county and state races affect Milliken voters?

Federal:

• U.S. House District 8: Incumbent Rep. Gabe Evans (R) faces primary challenge from Adam DeRito; Democratic primary includes Shannon Bird, Daniel Hassler, Larry Johnson, Evan Munsing, Manny Rutinel, John Szemler

State:

• Colorado House District 64: Incumbent Scott Slaugh (R) faces primary challenge from Mead Mayor Colleen Whitlow (R)
• All five statewide constitutional offices are open due to term limits (Governor, AG, etc.)
• U.S. Senator Michael Bennet is running for Governor; Sen. John Hickenlooper (D) up for re-election

Weld County:

• Commissioner District 2 (Scott James seeking third term)
• Commissioner At-Large
• Clerk and Recorder
• Assessor
• Sheriff

Sources:

• Ballotpedia: Colorado State Executive Elections 2026 — Statewide offices
• Ballotpedia: CD-8 Election 2026 — Congressional candidates
• Ballotpedia: HD-64 — State House district
• Weld County 2026 Candidate Information (PDF) — County offices up for election
• Greeley Tribune — Scott James re-election

Source Credibility

Follow-Up Questions

Explored

• What municipal offices are up for election? ✓
• Who are the declared candidates? ✓
• What are the election dates? ✓
• What county/state races affect Milliken? ✓
• What are the backgrounds and political leanings of each candidate? ✓

Out of Scope

• Campaign finance information (not researched)
• Endorsements from local organizations
• Candidate forum recordings or interviews

Unresolved

• Specific policy positions — candidates’ detailed stances on growth, development, taxes
• Endorsements — who has endorsed which candidates
• Campaign activities — door-knocking, mailers, social media presence
• Voter sentiment — polls or community feedback on candidates
• Steven Strain’s code amendment — what code was changed and why

Methodology

• Sub-agents spawned: 4 (initial research)
• Additional research: Manual web searches for each candidate
• Research rounds: 2 (initial + candidate deep-dive)
• Total sources: 15+ unique sources
• Date conducted: 2026-03-19
• Political analysis: Inferred from professional backgrounds, stated priorities, and demographic patterns. All assessments are speculative and should be verified with candidate statements.