Representative Scott Bottoms is a Republican incumbent representing one of Colorado’s most competitive districts. Since winning House District 15 in 2022, Bottoms has pursued a hard-right agenda that puts culture wars above the needs of his constituents. A former pastor, he has built his political brand on opposing LGBTQ+ equality, railing against abortion rights, and spreading conspiratorial rhetoric from the statehouse floor.
His record is extreme even for Colorado Republicans. Bottoms voted against protections for LGBTQ+ Coloradans, opposed reproductive rights, and pushed bills that mirror national attempts to restrict classroom content. In a district that includes military families, young professionals, and suburban voters, his politics are increasingly out of step.
In 2024, Bottoms won reelection with about 54 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Alvin Sexton by just over 8 points. That margin, while larger than a razor-thin race, was still significantly narrower than historic Republican wins in the district. The result underscored his vulnerability, especially as Democrats continue to gain ground across the Colorado Springs area. He is now one of the most endangered Republican incumbents in the state.
He is not just extreme. He is exposed. And with his next election in 2026, the race to hold him accountable begins in 2025.
Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Family Record
As pastor, denounced Pride and called LGBTQ+ families “contrary to God’s design.”
In office, opposed nondiscrimination protections and inclusive education.
Aligned with national campaigns portraying LGBTQ+ visibility as dangerous.
Used House floor to accuse schools of “indoctrinating children” by acknowledging LGBTQ+ identities.
Rhetoric fuels stigma and harm for LGBTQ+ youth in a diverse, changing district.
Attacks on Reproductive Freedom
Opposes abortion in nearly all cases, including rape or incest.
Consistently aligned with anti-choice groups.
Opposed bills to strengthen reproductive protections for patients and providers.
Frames abortion as a political issue, not a healthcare decision.
Out of step with Colorado voters, who have repeatedly defended reproductive rights.
Culture War Over Constituents
Prioritizes national grievance politics over district needs.
Sponsored Florida-style “parents’ rights” bills aimed at censorship.
Attacked DEI programs, inclusive history, and diversity efforts.
Neglected local priorities: jobs, military family support, affordability, infrastructure.
Record defined by division, not solutions, in Colorado Springs.
Key Vulnerabilities
Won just 54% in 2024, far below historic GOP margins in the district.
Colorado Springs electorate becoming younger, more diverse, more moderate.
Statewide majority supports reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections, leaving him isolated.
No accomplishments on affordability, transportation, or public safety.
Democratic infrastructure is expanding; HD-15 flagged as a 2026 priority target.
Bottoms has no cushion: shrinking base, unpopular record, district trending away.
Scott Bottoms has spent his time in office pushing far-right policies that attack LGBTQ+ families, undermine reproductive freedom, and import national culture wars into Colorado.
He has:
A hardline record on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights
A narrowing margin in a district trending away from the GOP
A voting record out of step with his constituents’ priorities
No meaningful accomplishments on affordability, schools, or infrastructure
