Greg Lopez

Greg Lopez is a former U.S. Representative who served Colorado's 4th congressional district from 2024 to 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Lopez was elected during a special election to fill the vacancy left by Ken Buck's resignation. Before his tenure in Congress, he held various positions in public service, including serving as the mayor of Parker, Colorado, and as the Colorado director of the Small Business Administration. Lopez has also been a candidate for governor of Colorado on multiple occasions and is currently running as an independent candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Early life and career

Gregorio Beltran Lopez was born on June 7, 1964, in Irving, Texas. He comes from a family of Mexican American heritage, being a third-generation Mexican American. Lopez's upbringing was marked by the experiences of his parents and grandparents, who worked as farm laborers. After completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1983 to 1987. During his military service, Lopez worked as a weapon specialist at Holloman Air Force Base, where he was responsible for preparing aircraft for flight operations. His time in the military was cut short due to significant hearing loss resulting from his work in a noisy airfield environment.

Following his service, Lopez utilized military benefits to pursue higher education. He earned an associate's degree in business administration from New Mexico State University Alamogordo. In 1988, he relocated to Colorado with his wife, Lisa Garcia, marking the beginning of his long-standing connection to the state.

Lopez's political career began in local government when he was elected mayor of Parker, Colorado, at the young age of 27 in 1992. Initially a member of the Democratic Party, he switched to the Republican Party in 1994. As mayor, he advocated for managed growth and development within the community, reflecting his commitment to balancing economic development with community needs.

House tenure

Lopez's congressional career began with his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election held in June 2024. He was selected as the Republican nominee after a competitive nomination process, winning the nomination in the sixth round of voting against Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg. His candidacy was seen as a strategic move, as he was positioned as a placeholder candidate while other Republicans, including Lauren Boebert, focused on their campaigns for full terms.

In the special general election held on June 25, 2024, Lopez faced off against Democratic nominee Trisha Calvarese, Libertarian nominee Hannah Goodman, and Approval Voting nominee Frank Atwood. Given the district's strong Republican lean, Lopez won the election by a comfortable margin. He was sworn into office on July 8, 2024, and subsequently made a public commitment to transparency and accountability, vowing not to engage in stock trading while serving in Congress and to maintain a strong voting record.

Lopez's time in the House of Representatives was brief, as he served until January 3, 2025. He did not seek re-election for a full term following his initial term in office.

Legislative focus and committees

During his short tenure in Congress, Lopez's legislative focus and committee assignments are not detailed in the available information. However, his previous roles in public service, including his experience with the Small Business Administration, suggest that he may have had an interest in issues related to small business development and economic growth. His background as a mayor and his advocacy for managed development could have influenced his approach to legislative matters, particularly those affecting local communities and economic policies.

In addition to his congressional duties, Lopez has been involved in various political campaigns throughout his career. He ran for the Colorado State Senate in 1998 but did not secure the nomination. He also sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2016 but withdrew before the election. His gubernatorial campaigns in 2018 and 2022 were notable for their focus on conservative issues, including opposition to abortion and skepticism regarding climate change.

Lopez's political journey has not been without controversy. He faced legal challenges, including a civil case brought by the Department of Justice in 2020, which alleged that he had improperly attempted to influence former colleagues at the Small Business Administration. He settled the case for $15,000. Additionally, he has had past legal issues, including a DUI charge in 2003 and a domestic violence incident in 1993, which he and his wife both addressed in court.

As of early 2025, Lopez announced his candidacy for governor of Colorado for the 2026 election. Initially running as a Republican, he later declared his intention to run as an independent candidate, reflecting a shift in his political strategy. His ongoing engagement in Colorado politics indicates a continued commitment to public service and political involvement.

Lopez resides in Elizabeth, Colorado, with his wife, Lisa, and they have two adult children. His personal experiences, including his military service and public service roles, have shaped his perspectives and approach to governance. Despite facing challenges and controversies, Lopez remains an active figure in Colorado's political landscape.