Godes to become Garfield County’s first Democratic commissioner since 2010

Democrat Jonathan Godes is set to become Garfield County’s next District 1 commissioner after Republican Eric Rudd confirmed Thursday that he conceded the race Wednesday night, ending a contest that will bring a Democratic voice to the three-member board.

As of Thursday, Godes had received 13,112 votes, or 53.05%, compared with Rudd’s 11,605 votes, or 46.95%, according to unofficial results from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office.

Godes, a former Glenwood Springs mayor, will succeed longtime Republican Commissioner Tom Jankovsky, who decided not to seek reelection after 16 years on the board.

For Godes, the outcome came as something of a surprise. Just 48 hours earlier, he said he had little confidence that he would come out ahead.

“I swear I didn’t think I would need the acceptance speech,” Godes said Thursday.

Godes said he had heard from many residents, including Democrats, who spoke highly of Rudd and had known him for years.

“I talked to a lot of Democrats that really like Eric, that grew up with him, that knew him,” Godes said. “Eric’s a nice guy. It sucked running against a nice guy.”

Rudd, who identifies as an independent but ran as a Republican, said he was grateful for the opportunity to run and the support he received from voters across party lines.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that the Republicans gave an independent to let them run under their party,” Rudd said Thursday.

He recalled two people approaching him in recent days to say he was the first Republican they had ever voted for.

“It was a really great opportunity,” Rudd said.

Rudd said his decision to run was motivated by the needs of Garfield County rather than aspirations for a political career. He does not anticipate seeking another elected office but said he is considering returning to the Garfield County Planning and Zoning Commission.

“It was just about the needs of our community and not a political future,” Rudd said.

As for his opponent, Rudd offered his congratulations and well wishes.

“Just congratulations on his election,” Rudd said. “This county is in some challenges right now, so I wish him the best.”

Looking ahead, Godes said he believes his 25 years of community service, including his time as Glenwood Springs mayor and his current role as director of the Interstate 70 Coalition, resonated with voters.

He also said many residents expressed a desire for a broader range of perspectives on the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners.

“They were ready for a more diverse and robust conversation at the county commissioner level,” Godes said.

Godes will join Republican commissioners Mike Samson and Perry Will on the board in January, but he said their differing political affiliations should not prevent them from working together.

“I always enjoyed my time on city council where people didn’t view you through those lenses and make assumptions about what your intentions, priorities, or reactions would be based on a political designation behind your name,” Godes said.

Godes said he already has established relationships with both commissioners, having worked with Samson through his involvement in Glenwood Springs government and with Will during Will’s time in the Colorado Legislature.

Will called Thursday to congratulate him, leading to a nearly 50-minute conversation.

“I have a working relationship with these guys, and I think it’s going to be a good conversation,” Godes said.

While he expects most decisions facing the board to center on the day-to-day operations of county government, Godes acknowledged that some issues could lead to disagreements.

Still, he said he intends to approach those discussions with cooperation and humility, even when he finds himself in the minority, and hopes his perspective will contribute to decisions that might not otherwise have been considered.

Godes will be sworn in as Garfield County’s District 1 commissioner in January.