The following article was originally published by the Republican Strategy Forum of El Paso County:

Levon Stilson’s Ambitious Campaign for State Senate District 11

February 12, 2026

On February 11, 2026, Levon Stilson, a Republican candidate for State Senate District 11, visited the Republican Strategy Forum to outline his vision and platform. Stilson, a Durango, Colorado native, brings a robust background in military service and political engagement to his campaign.

Stilso’s journey began with his enlistment in the army, where he served at Fort Benning before being assigned to Arlington Cemetery. His military career culminated in a deployment to Afghanistan with the 4th Infantry Division, based in Colorado Springs. After leaving the military, Stilson pursued higher education in Political Science at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

While at UCCS, he became actively involved in local politics, joining organizations such as the Young Republicans and Turning Point USA (TPUSA). Silton also gained hands-on experience in political campaigning by door-knocking for fellow Republican Rebecca Keltie. His dedication further solidified in 2025 when he served as a legislative aide, witnessing the inner workings of state government.

Stilson officially filed to enter the SD11 race in January 2026, positioning himself as a candidate focused on three key platform issues: affordability, personal safety, and the defense of freedom. He emphasizes the need for lawmakers to leverage their positions to elevate these critical topics, utilizing the caucus and assembly processes effectively.

Key Issues and Responses

During his visit to the Republican Strategy Forum, Stilson addressed several pressing questions regarding his campaign strategy and legislative priorities:

Defeating Senator Tony Exum (Incumbent): Stilson believes that exposing Exum’s voting record is key to his campaign. “I will defend the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), which is crucial for maintaining fiscal responsibility in our state,” he asserted.

Legislative Agenda: Stilson aims to confront any Democrat policies that carry negative consequences. “I will propose changes that protect our constituents from harmful legislation,” he commented.

Election Integrity: Acknowledging the importance of election integrity, Stilson stated, “We need a long-term strategy, similar to the 10-year plan the Democrats have implemented.” He highlighted that a solid plan and actionable first steps are essential for ensuring fair elections.

Opinions on Relevant Issues: Regarding the SAVE Act, Silton expressed that while he cannot vote on federal legislation, he urges consistent communication between the community and Congress. He also voiced his support for state security laws regarding banking, noting that a recent bill aimed to protect depositors’ money in the event of a bank failure.

Stilson’s commitment to transparency in elections is evident when discussing the importance of obtaining Cast Vote Records (CVRs) if he suspects foul play after the election. “We need to pursue remedies wherever necessary,” he stated.

Community and Funding Plans: Stilson has worked pro bono for legislators, gaining insight into NGOs that provide assistance to immigrants. He emphasized the necessity for a Benefit Recovery Program to review budgets and prevent funds from going to undocumented individuals.

Securing Elections and Campaign Launch

Stilson envisions securing elections through a straightforward process involving in-person voting, valid ID checks, and hand counting of ballots. He also aims to tackle the challenges posed by illegal immigration, advocating for increased accountability regarding tax remittances and funding for programs administered by NGOs.

With his campaign launch party scheduled for today (February 11) at 3:00 PM, Stilson is set to reach out to GOP delegates and community members. Although he has limited funding, he plans to explore various methods of communication, including text outreach, as resources permit.

Stilson is also engaged with outreach initiatives to connect with unaffiliated (UAF) voters. He will look into Pam Long, a frequent guest on the Kim Munson radio program, who explains how Conservatives should talk with the UAF.

Levon Stilson’s campaign represents a blend of military discipline and political passion, as he seeks to address the fundamental issues impacting the people of State Senate District 11. For more information, visit his campaign website at: stilson4colorado.com.