Colorado Springs Councilwoman Nancy Henjum Faces Backlash After Endorsing Republican Michael Allen

Colorado Springs City Councilmember Nancy Henjum is facing criticism from members of her own political party after endorsing Republican Michael Allen in Colorado’s race for attorney general, a decision that has sparked renewed debate over partisanship and the role of qualifications in choosing elected officials.

Henjum, a Democrat representing Colorado Springs, publicly announced her support for Allen, the El Paso County district attorney and Republican candidate for attorney general, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Allen is running against Democratic Secretary of State Jena Griswold.

In an interview with The Gazette published Oct. 14, Henjum acknowledged that she anticipated pushback from Democrats who might view her endorsement as a betrayal of the party. She said the response included both praise for crossing party lines and criticism from those who disagreed with her decision. 

Henjum has defended her endorsement by arguing that the attorney general’s office should be evaluated on qualifications and the ability to uphold the law rather than political affiliation. She has emphasized that supporting Allen does not mean she is leaving the Democratic Party or supporting President Donald Trump.

“A vote for Michael Allen is not a vote for Donald Trump. It’s a vote for Michael Allen,” Henjum told The Gazette.

Henjum said her decision followed the loss of her preferred candidate in the Democratic primary. She also pointed to her previous work with Allen and his handling of major legal matters as reasons for supporting his candidacy.

Among the cases and initiatives she cited were Allen’s prosecution of the 2022 Club Q mass shooting and his involvement with the regional Opioid Abatement Council, which helps determine how settlement funds are spent to address the opioid crisis.

Allen, who has served as district attorney for Colorado’s Fourth Judicial District since 2021, welcomed Henjum’s endorsement. He said he appreciated her willingness to publicly support a candidate from another party and argued that political leaders should be willing to engage with people who hold different views.

The endorsement is notable in Colorado Springs, where local leaders are navigating a politically charged election season. The attorney general’s race has drawn attention to disagreements over the office’s responsibilities, including public safety, criminal prosecution and the extent to which the state’s top law enforcement official should engage in national political disputes.

Griswold, the Democratic nominee, has emphasized the importance of challenging actions by the Trump administration, while Allen has campaigned on his prosecutorial experience and a focus on state law enforcement priorities.

Henjum’s decision highlights the tension Democrats may face between party loyalty and support for an individual candidate based on professional experience. Her endorsement has also prompted a broader discussion about whether voters should prioritize party affiliation or a candidate’s record when selecting Colorado’s next attorney general.

Colorado voters will decide between Allen and Griswold in the Nov. 3 general election.

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Photos Courtesy of the City of Colorado Springs and The Coloradoan.