Meet Cory Gardner

Biography

 

Widely recognized as one of the state’s leading Republican voices, Representative Cory Gardner has worked hard to fight for rural families, small businesses, and agriculture during his tenure in the Colorado State House of Representatives. The Denver Post hailed Gardner as “the GOP Idea Man,” and he has been recognized as one of the Top 40 young Republican lawmakers in the country by Rising Tide, a publication of the Republican National Committee.

 

While representing Colorado’s 63rd District, Cory has made economic development, healthcare, and education priorities. In 2007, he created the Colorado Clean Energy Authority, which has helped to bring millions of dollars in development to Colorado.  He has also worked to increase community college funding, bring state-of-the-art telemedicine to rural communities, and protect homeowners facing foreclosure.

 

Representative Gardner is a leading conservative in the state House, a strong voice for renewable energy and Colorado’s clean-burning natural gas. He has been a constant advocate for limited government and common-sense principles. Cory believes strongly that reducing taxes on individuals and businesses alike is the best way to grow the economy and provide jobs, especially in times of recession.

 

Cory’s vision and leadership in the legislature have been recognized across the spectrum.  Soon after he was elected to serve in the legislature, Cory was selected by his colleagues for a leadership role as House Minority Whip. He has been named Legislator of the Year by the Colorado Livestock Association, Colorado Corn Growers Association, Colorado Child Care Association, and Community Pharmacies of Colorado.  Cory also received the Friend of Home Care Award from the Home Care Association of Colorado, and was named a Champion of Rural Colorado by the Independent Bankers. The Colorado Civil Justice League has recognized Rep. Gardner on numerous occasions for his efforts to reduce frivolous litigation and runaway lawsuit abuse.  In 2009, he received the Guardian of the Taxpayer award from the Colorado Union of Taxpayers.

 

A fifth-generation Coloradan with family roots dating back to 1886, Cory still spends several months each year working side-by-side with his father and grandfather in the family’s farm implement dealership. Cory, his wife Jaime, and their five year old daughter, Alyson, live in the home that once belonged to his great-grandparents, in Yuma, Colorado.

 

Cory graduated summa cum laude from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in political science, moving onto law school at the University of Colorado to earn his Juris Doctor. Prior to joining the House of Representatives, Cory served as General Counsel and Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Wayne Allard. Cory has also worked for the National Corn Growers Association.