Colorado State Rep. Meghan Lukens has launched her bid for another term in the House, declaring intentions to remain a fierce advocate for Northwest Colorado in House District 26, which spans Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Eagle counties, according to a statement released Tuesday. 

Lukens, a resident of Steamboat Springs and teacher at the Steamboat Mountain School first won the seat in 2022. She will have her name appear on the ballot again in November 2026.

“Serving the people of Northwest Colorado has been the honor of my life,” said Lukens in the statement. “I’m running for reelection to continue fighting for a thriving economy, quality education, and the preservation of the beautiful environment that makes our region special. Together, we’ve made real progress, but there’s more work ahead to ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to succeed.”

During her first term, Lukens sponsored several bipartisan laws targeting rural economic growth and community well-being. She helped pass the extension of the Rural Jump-Start Program, which incentivizes job creation and investment in rural areas such as Moffat and Rio Blanco counties. 

Lukens also championed legislation supporting the transition of coal-dependent towns like Craig and Hayden, and worked to advance plans for affordable mountain passenger rail.

Affordable housing and early childhood care have also taken center stage on Lukens’ agenda. She was instrumental in passing SB23-001, facilitating local governments and developers’ use of unused state land to build affordable homes, while HB24-1237 created new programs to boost access to childcare facilities statewide.

In her campaign announcement, Lukens cited ongoing bipartisan efforts to strengthen the regional economy. 

“Our rural economies are the heartbeat of Colorado,” she said in the statement. “Through bipartisan efforts like the Rural Jump-Start Program and SB23-001: Supporting Affordable Housing, we’re not only creating jobs but ensuring that working families and essential workers can afford to live in the communities they serve.”

The representative also highlighted her legislative work on environmental and educational issues. 

“Protecting Colorado’s natural beauty isn’t just about conservation — it’s about preserving the foundation of our outdoor recreation economy and quality of life,” Lukens said in the statement. “As we transition our energy economy, I’m proud to support legislation that uplifts coal-transitioning communities while building a sustainable future.”

“As a teacher, I know firsthand the challenges facing our classrooms,” she continued. “As the sponsor of this year’s School Finance Act, we are building on our historic step to eliminate the Budget Stabilization Factor and ensure every student has access to quality education.”

“I also championed the Educator-First Homeownership Program to help teachers afford to live where they work and HB25-1135 to help students focus on learning without distraction,” she added in the statement. “Education is the foundation of opportunity, and I’ll never stop fighting for Colorado’s students and educators.”

To learn more about Lukens’ campaign, visit MeghanLukens.com.