You probably don’t think about the CU Board of Regents when you're grabbing coffee or heading to work. Most people don't. But honestly, these folks hold the keys to a $6 billion budget. That's a lot of zeros. They decide if tuition goes up, who leads the four campuses, and what kind of research gets the green light.
Right now, the 2026 election cycle is starting to heat up, but there's a weird quirk you should know about. Not every seat is "at-large." In fact, usually, only one or two people are elected by the entire state of Colorado to serve as a regent of the university of colorado at large candidates type of role. The rest are tied to specific congressional districts.
The Current At-Large Situation
If you look at the board today, Elliott Hood holds the at-large seat. He’s a Democrat and a lawyer who won a pretty tight race back in 2024 against Republican Eric Rinard. Because regents serve six-year terms, Hood isn't actually up for reelection until 2030.
So, why are we talking about it now?
Because the balance of the board is constantly shifting. While the "at-large" seat itself isn't on the ballot this year, several district seats are, and they have a massive impact on the statewide policies that the at-large regents help craft.
Who is actually running in 2026?
Since the filing deadline isn't until March 18, 2026, the list is still kinda growing. But we already have some names hitting the pavement.
👉 See also: Why Trump's West Point Speech Still Matters Years Later
District 2 (Boulder area and surrounds):
This is a big one. The incumbent, Callie Rennison, decided she’s not running again. She’s been the board's vice chair, so that’s a huge gap to fill.
- Kubs Lalchandani: A Boulder attorney and entrepreneur who jumped in early. He’s running as a Democrat.
- Kristopher Larsen: You might know him as the former mayor of Nederland. He’s a research scientist, which is a perspective you don't always see on the board.
- Donald Comstock: Running under the Constitution Party banner.
District 6 (Aurora area):
Ilana Spiegel is the incumbent here. She’s already filed her paperwork to keep her seat. She’s been pretty vocal about mental health resources for students and keeping costs down.
District 7 (Denver suburbs like Westminster and Arvada):
Nolbert Chavez is the name to watch here. He’s an incumbent Democrat who’s been deeply involved in the CU Denver campus's growth.
Why the At-Large Role Matters (Even When Not on the Ballot)
The at-large regent is basically the "backup" for the whole state. While a district regent might worry mostly about their specific voters in, say, Colorado Springs or Pueblo, the at-large member has to balance everyone.
The Board of Regents is currently split 5-4, with Democrats holding the majority. This is the first time in decades that the GOP hasn't controlled the board. Because of that, every single race—even the district-level ones—feels like a statewide battle. If Republicans flip even one seat in 2026, the power dynamic shifts back to a 5-4 Republican lead or a tie.
✨ Don't miss: Johnny Somali AI Deepfake: What Really Happened in South Korea
What do these candidates actually do?
It's not just sitting in boring meetings. Well, it is, but the meetings matter. They handle:
- The Budget: We’re talking billions. They decide how much of that goes to scholarships vs. new buildings.
- The President: They hire the person who runs the whole show. Remember the Mark Kennedy era? That was a regent decision that sparked years of debate.
- Tenure: They have the final say on which professors get permanent positions.
- Tuition: This is the one that hits your wallet. They vote on the percentage increase every year.
Honestly, the job is sort of a thankless task. It’s a volunteer position—they don't get a salary. They just get their travel expenses covered. You have to really want to be there to deal with the headaches of university politics for zero pay.
Is the At-Large Seat Up in 2026?
Technically, no. But here is the catch: voters often get confused because there used to be two at-large seats. After the 2020 census and the subsequent redistricting, Colorado got an 8th congressional district. To keep the board at an odd number (nine members), they had to eliminate one of the at-large seats.
So now, we have one at-large member and eight district members. It makes the "at-large" position even more prestigious—and much harder to win.
What to Look for in a Candidate
When you're looking at someone running for this board, don't just look at their party. Look at their experience with big budgets.
🔗 Read more: Sweden School Shooting 2025: What Really Happened at Campus Risbergska
- Financial Literacy: Can they read a 200-page audit? They’re going to have to.
- Policy Stance on DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a massive flashpoint on the board right now. Some candidates want to double down; others want to scrap it.
- Affordability Plans: Every candidate says they want "lower tuition." Ask them how. Are they going to cut programs? Are they going to lobby the state legislature for more funding?
Real Talk on the 2026 Election
Because the 2026 races are district-specific (Districts 2, 6, and 7), the "statewide" conversation is actually happening through the lens of these local battles. If you live in Boulder, you’re looking at Kubs Lalchandani or Kristopher Larsen. If you’re in Aurora, it’s likely Spiegel.
But even if you don't live in those districts, you should care. The decisions they make affect the value of a CU degree for everyone. It affects the economy of the whole state. CU is the third-largest employer in Colorado. When the university system thrives, the state thrives.
Moving Forward with Your Vote
Don't wait until November to figure this out. The primary is June 30, 2026. In Colorado, that’s often where the real decision happens, especially in heavily blue or red districts.
Check the Colorado Secretary of State's TRACER system if you want to see who is putting money behind these candidates. It's a great way to see if they're being backed by big donors or grassroots supporters. You've got the power to shape the future of Colorado’s biggest university—use it.
Start by looking up which CU Regent district you live in. You can find this on the CU Regents website by entering your address. Once you know your district, follow the candidate filings on the Secretary of State's website as the March 18 deadline approaches. Research the professional backgrounds of the declared candidates, focusing on their experience with public policy or educational administration, rather than just their party affiliation.