Colorado Race Splits on How to Build Affordable Homes

Voters in House District 50 will choose between two candidates who both list housing costs as their top concern.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Child Care

Colorado Race Splits on How to Build Affordable Homes

Live Poll

Do you think housing costs in your area are getting better or worse?

Colorado House District 50 voters will decide a race between Republican State Representative Ryan Gonzalez, seeking a second term, and Democrat Tommy Butler, a former Greeley city councilman. Both candidates list affordability and housing as their top concerns.

Why it matters

Affordability is the shared priority, but the candidates offer different fixes for Colorado households: Gonzalez argues housing isn't being built because developers fear construction-defect lawsuits, while Butler focuses on easing grant paperwork for nonprofit builders. Their answers will shape how much new housing reaches families across the state.

The race is for Colorado House District 50 and the general election is November 3, 2026. Butler brings six years of Greeley City Council experience, and Gonzalez is seeking a second term in the seat.

The players

Ryan Gonzalez

Republican State Representative for Colorado House District 50 seeking a second term, who argues lawsuit fears are blocking affordable housing construction.

Tommy Butler

Democrat and former Greeley city councilman with six years of council service and a board seat with Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity.

The details

Gonzalez wants to create protections for multifamily home developers against lawsuits over construction defects, which he believes is discouraging affordable housing from being built. Butler proposes streamlining state grant processes so nonprofit housing developers can save money on projects. Butler is also a Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity board member, giving him direct experience with nonprofit home construction.

2020: Colorado voters repealed the Gallagher Amendment, after which property taxes rose considerably.
2025: A Colorado Child Care Assistance Program enrollment freeze began in Weld County and has remained in place since.
November 3, 2026: Voters decide the House District 50 general election.

The Home Front

The race follows the 2020 Gallagher Amendment repeal, after which property taxes rose and the state's property tax burden was split between homeowners and businesses. Housing affordability is now the central question for Colorado candidates as those tax changes continue to shape household costs.

If you rent or are planning to buy in Colorado, track how each candidate's housing and property-tax positions develop before you vote. Keep a record of your property tax statements so you can compare changes year over year.

The takeaway

Affordability and housing are the top issues for both candidates, so the choice comes down to whether lawsuit protections or grant streamlining better address the cost of building homes. Check your Colorado voter registration status before November 3, 2026, so you can weigh in on the outcome.