Hugh McKean
Hugh McKean (Republican Party) was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, representing District 51. He assumed office on January 11, 2017. He left office on October 30, 2022.
McKean (Republican Party) ran for re-election to the Colorado House of Representatives to represent District 51. He won in the general election on November 8, 2022. McKean unofficially withdrew from the race but appeared on the general election ballot on November 8, 2022.
State House Republicans elected McKean state House minority leader in November 2020, effective January 2021. He served until his death in October 2022.[1]
McKean died on October 30, 2022.[2]
Biography
McKean served on the Loveland City Council. He also served on the New Vision Charter School Board and the Thompson School District Master Planning Board.[3]
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at:[email protected].
2021-2022
McKean was assigned to the following committees:
2019-2020
McKean was assigned to the following committees:
2017 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:
| Colorado committee assignments, 2017 |
|---|
| • Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources |
| • Local Government |
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2022
See also: Colorado House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Colorado House of Representatives District 51
Incumbent Hugh McKean (Unofficially withdrew) won election in the general election for Colorado House of Representatives District 51 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Hugh McKean (R) (Unofficially withdrew) | 100.0 | 26,542 |
| Total votes: 26,542 | |||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 51
Incumbent Hugh McKean defeated Austin Hein in the Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 51 on June 28, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Hugh McKean | 56.0 | 7,741 |
 | Austin Hein | 44.0 | 6,089 | |
| Total votes: 13,830 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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2020
See also: Colorado House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Colorado House of Representatives District 51
Incumbent Hugh McKean defeated Vern Richardson in the general election for Colorado House of Representatives District 51 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Hugh McKean (R) | 94.0 | 37,654 |
| Vern Richardson (D) (Write-in) | 6.0 | 2,390 | ||
| Total votes: 40,044 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 51
Incumbent Hugh McKean advanced from the Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 51 on June 30, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Hugh McKean | 100.0 | 12,050 |
| Total votes: 12,050 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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2018
General election
General election for Colorado House of Representatives District 51
Incumbent Hugh McKean defeated Joan Shaffer in the general election for Colorado House of Representatives District 51 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Hugh McKean (R) | 56.2 | 24,745 |
 | Joan Shaffer (D) | 43.8 | 19,320 | |
| Total votes: 44,065 (100.00% precincts reporting) | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Benjamin Krueske (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 51
Joan Shaffer advanced from the Democratic primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 51 on June 26, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Joan Shaffer | 100.0 | 7,734 |
| Total votes: 7,734 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 51
Incumbent Hugh McKean advanced from the Republican primary for Colorado House of Representatives District 51 on June 26, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Hugh McKean | 100.0 | 8,954 |
| Total votes: 8,954 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2016
Elections for the Colorado House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election took place on June 28, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was April 4, 2016. Incumbent Brian DelGrosso (R) did not seek re-election.
Hugh McKean defeated Jody Shadduck-McNally in the Colorado House of Representatives District 51 general election.[4][5]
| Colorado House of Representatives, District 51 General Election, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Hugh McKean |
60.72% | 28,823 | |
| Democratic | Jody Shadduck-McNally | 39.28% | 18,642 | |
| Total Votes | 47,465 | |||
| Source: Colorado Secretary of State | ||||
Jody Shadduck-McNally ran unopposed in the Colorado House of Representatives District 51 Democratic primary.[6][7]
| Colorado House of Representatives, District 51 Democratic Primary, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | |
| Democratic | Jody Shadduck-McNally (unopposed) | |
Hugh McKean defeated Tom Lucero in the Colorado House of Representatives District 51 Republican primary.[6][7]
| Colorado House of Representatives, District 51 Republican Primary, 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | Hugh McKean |
51.97% | 4,082 | |
| Republican | Tom Lucero | 48.03% | 3,773 | |
| Total Votes | 7,855 | |||
Campaign themes
2022
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Hugh McKean did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
Hugh McKean did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.
2018
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Hugh McKean completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McKean's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Roads and bridges. We need to have the conversation about short, medium and long term solutions to our congestion issues and that starts with concrete and asphalt. All other pieces of the puzzle require safe and passable roads to work. Second is water. There are a variety of issues with water storage and water rights that will come up this Session and it is vital that we have people who know water and the long term path to securing Colorado's water future. Third I am looking forward to working with our medical community on the sunset review of the Medical Practices Act and Medical Review. These are crucial elements in the provision of quality healthcare in Colorado.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
I am a small "g", small government guy. I abhor bad legislation and I work every day to make sure that laws that I support are not only good for my constituents, my neighbors in House District 51, but that they are good for the State of Colorado as a whole. I also firmly believe that it is vital to work across the aisle with my Democrat counterparts. Lots of folks say those words but I have proven it time and again in my first term. It means listening, giving a fair hearing to the ideas of others and then doing what you say you're going to do.
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Ronald Reagan. There has been no one, in my lifetime, who has conveyed such a powerful message about what it means to be an American and what it means to have a set of values and ideals that form what the role of government looks like. Agree or disagree with his policies but there was never any question about how he felt or where his loyalties lay. Short of Reagan I would have to say Abraham Lincoln. Passionate and driven, he was perhaps the proto-Reagan, standing for what was right even in the midst of tremendous opposition.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Interestingly, there are several. "A Case for Democracy" by Nathan Sharansky is one. It's actually about Israel but it is a primer for why America is so special. "Last Child in the Woods" is another, a caution about the society we are creating and the loss of a connection with the natural world.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
A servants heart. That's it. Realize the difference between personal ideologies and governance and serve the people who elected you, all of the people.
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
I have dedicated myself to service in my pubic and private life. To me, that means that I serve ALL of my constituents in the best way possible.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
It sounds hokey but it is to simply be a decent and good person. That means that you listen and are honest and are true to your word. There will always be times when I don't agree on something with some of my constituents but they will always get a fair hearing and my honest opinion.
What legacy would you like to leave?
I have become known for working with everyone and being dependable and forthright. I hope that will be a legacy in which many of my colleagues join me.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
For my early years I lived in Bucks County, north of Philadelphia. Our address was Aqueduct Road, Washington's Crossing, Pennsylvania. I can remember events surrounding the commemoration of Washington crossing the Delaware River to defeat the Hessians and even playing King of the Mountain on the very stone that ended William Penn's first Walking Purchase. It's that reverence for history that has impacted me so much.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
I grew up on a family farm so I guess I was seven. We worked every day, whether it was hoeing soybeans on summer mornings, milking our cows or cutting firewood, we got up every day to go to work. It was wonderful. I can say that now. There was plenty of grumbling back then, I'm sure.
What happened on your most awkward date?
I don't remember. That probably means it was extra awkward.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Independence Day! And it's Independence Day, not the Fourth of July. I have been abroad for a few Independence Days and, sure enough, it's the July 4th on the calendar but it means something incredibly special to understand why we celebrate Independence Day and what that Declaration meant at the time and what it means today. And fireworks!!!!
What is your favorite book? Why?
It's really whatever has sucked me in at the time. Right now it's some historical fiction set in the early days of Christianity.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
I really don't know. There are a host of things that I would love to have been present to see at the time so maybe some sort of time traveller.
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
Rocks. I collect rocks from all over the world and they all have special meanings from where they came and what was going on at the time.
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
This is not a fair question. I am horrifically bad at songs and lyrics. Currently is, She Kept the Hotel Key. I love Country but I'm partial to Western as well. (That's an old joke!)
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Scheduling. I have at least one or two Oh crap! moments every week where I am rushing to get somewhere. But I work diligently at it and I am one of those people when I get it right, if you're not ten minutes early, you're late.
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
I enjoy being in the House but I watch the collegiality in the Senate, in a smaller body. I think that's something we could do better.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
I do but, certainly there are folks who come in with no governmental experience who bring a fresh perspective. Those are often the voices that remind us to consider the limited role of government.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
I really think the challenges ahead are indicative of the challenges we already face, making choices. There will almost certainly be another recession ahead and those tough times should make us really look internally at how we can make government more efficient.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
One of collaboration. I have had a good relationship with Governor Hickenlooper and expect to have the same with whoever succeeds him.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
It essential. The more we know one another on a personal level it makes the hard decisions and the difficult discussions easier. I help coordinate a retreat for all incoming members of the House and Senate with another Representative so that folks can get to know one another as colleagues and friends.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
Whatever serves the citizens best. I represent a district that was gerrymandered years ago. Political games from either side do not best serve our citizens or communities.
If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?
Agriculture, because of my background and water issues. Local Government after my work on our City Council, Statutory Revision since it means looking into the laws of Colorado and cleaning up our Statutes and House Services because it means working with Marilyn Eddins, the Chief Clerk of the Colorado House of Representatives, truly one of the best people in the whole world.
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
I would. I think the leadership sets a tone for the Caucus and also the House as a whole and I think there are great things that we can do in the next couple of years.
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
There are a lot of them, especially as you hear the stories of folks who have done a great job and are genuinely remembered as servants.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
I am not. I love the Colorado legislature and think government is best at the lowest possible level.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
During the floods of 2013 I was working at our Disaster Recovery Center and I met a woman who had come in. Her sister had been trapped up the canyon for days and her cell online had died. Once communication was cut off, her sister, living in Fort Collins, decided to go find her sibling. She took a four wheeler and a chainsaw and cut her way down into the Big Thompson Canyon. Just as the group trapped in the canyon was trying to figure out who would strike out for the ridge and find help, they heard a chainsaw and the two were reunited. Hers is a story of how we take care of our selves and each other. We toughed it out through those floods and we are a closer, more resilient community because of it.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2016
McKean's campaign website highlighted the following issues:
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| —Hugh McKean[9] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Endorsements
2016
In 2016, McKean's endorsements included the following:[10]
- Fraternal Order of Police Loveland Lodge 52
- Brian DelGrosso, Minority Leader - Colorado State House of Representatives
- Justin Smith, Larimer County Sheriff
- Don Overcash, Loveland City Councilor - Ward 4
- Tom Buchanan
- Gail Snyder
- John Butler
- Tim Handrick
- Randy Holyfield, Loveland Precinct 516 Committee Member, County Delegate, Judicial Delegate
- Jeremy Jersvig
- Tall Guns, LLC
For a full list of McKean's endorsements, view his official campaign website here.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
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Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Colorado scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].
2022
In 2022, the Colorado State Legislature was in session from January 12 to May 11.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on issues relevant to the mission of the Centennial Institute and the strategic priorities of Colorado Christian University.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to reproductive health issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills that the organizations supports or opposes.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills that the organizations supports or opposes.
- Legislation is scored on its "reduction of taxes, regulation, and spending accountability."
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills about Colorado's climate, land, water, and communities.
- Legislators are scored on their stances on animal issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on "bills that will protect consumers, strengthen our democracy, and safeguard public health."
- Legislators are scored on their votes related to public health issues.
- Legislators are scored on votes related to "the principles of individual rights, free markets and limited government."
- Legislators are scored on their votes related to mental health issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored based on their votes on LGBTQ+ issues.
- Legislators are scored on votes related to intellectual and developmental disability legislation.
2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Colorado State Legislature was in session from January 13 to June 8.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Colorado State Legislature was in session from January 8 to June 15.
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2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Colorado State Legislature was in session from January 4 through May 3.
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2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the 72nd Colorado State Legislature was in session from January 10 through May 9.
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2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the 71st Colorado State Legislature was in session from January 11 through May 10. There was also a special session from October 2-3.
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See also
2022 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Colorado Newsline, "Colorado House Republicans select McKean as new minority leader," November 9, 2020
- ↑ KDVR, "Colorado House Minority Leader passes away suddenly Sunday morning," October 30, 2022
- ↑ Colorado House Republicans, "Rep. Hugh KcKean," accessed June 30, 2017
- ↑ Colorado Secretary of State, "General election candidates," accessed August 16, 2016
- ↑ Colorado Secretary of State, "2016 General Election results," accessed December 14, 2016
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Colorado Secretary of State, "2016 Primary Election Candidate List," accessed May 3, 2016
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Colorado Secretary of State, "June 28, 2016 Primary Election," accessed August 22, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Hugh McKean, "Issues," accessed June 21, 2016
- ↑ McKean for State House, "Endorsements," accessed November 3, 2016
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Colorado House of Representatives District 51 2017-2022 |
Succeeded by Amy Parks (R) |
| Preceded by - |
Loveland City Council |
Succeeded by - |
