Why Kris Larsen, endorsed Edie for CU Regent:

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kristopher Larsen 
Date: Wed, Apr 15, 2026 at 9:55 AM
Subject: Moving forward with the CU Regents
To:

Friends, 

First, I want to thank you again for your support of my candidacy for CU Regent. Together, we recognize the importance of a demonstrated commitment to the University’s success and the value of bringing relevant experience to the Board. To that end, I am endorsing Edie Hooton in this race. Edie would be an outstanding Regent, and she has my full support. 

There are many reasons why I have come to this conclusion, but the two that stand out to me are: 

First, her experience chairing a budget committee in the legislature that prioritizes funding requests from Colorado’s universities (The Capital Development Committee).  One of the largest challenges facing CU is managing its budget responsibly at a time when financial decisions will have a long-term impact on students, faculty, and the State. Edie brings real experience working with budgets at this scale and understands how to approach these decisions with care and discipline. 

Second, the relationships she has built at every level of government during her tenure. This is an especially valuable advantage for a research institution like CU that depends on federal and state funding, negotiates local land-use planning, and faces a host of other related issues that require in-depth knowledge of intergovernmental relationships and experience. 

CU was in Edie’s legislative district, and she saw firsthand how university decisions affect students, families, and all Coloradans. Those connections and perspectives matter. CU does not operate in isolation, and having the perspective of someone who represented CU in the legislature and can work effectively with partners across government will be essential. Edie is ready to step into this role on day one and understands the scope of the position and the responsibility it carries.

I will be actively campaigning for her and hope you will consider joining me in that effort.

You can learn more and get involved through her website and email sign up, and if you are in a position to give, a contribution today would go a long way in helping us stay competitive and win this race.

Thank you,

Kris

Edie’s Reaction to Kris’ endorsement:

I am excited to share that Kris Larsen has officially endorsed my campaign for CU Regent. Kris was a strong candidate in this race, and while he did not advance through the caucus and assembly process, he brought real thought and care to this conversation about CU’s future.

As a former Mayor of Nederland and a scientist at CU, Kris brings a grounded understanding of both public service and the University. He has spent years working at the intersection of community leadership and higher education, and that perspective shows in how he approaches these issues. I’m grateful to have his support.

We share a long history of engagement with the University and recognize the responsibility that comes with leading an institution of this size and scope.

We are aligned on key priorities, including making CU accessible to all Coloradans, defending it as Colorado’s premier educational and research institution in the face of threats from DC, and ensuring CU continues to lead on climate issues.

If you believe in this work and want to help us build the support needed to win this race, I would be grateful for your contribution today.  

Kris’s endorsement reflects the perspective I will bring to the Board. I look forward to winning this primary and continuing our work together on the issues that matter most.