Trending Now - Colorado Governor Considers Clemency for Trump Ally in Prison
WHO:
Jared Polis, Democratic Governor of Colorado
Tina Peters, former Mesa County Clerk, serving a nine-year prison sentence
President Donald Trump
Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General
Jena Griswold, Colorado Secretary of State, running for state attorney general
Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator, hoping to replace Polis as governor
John Case, lawyer for Tina Peters
Matt Crane, executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association
WHAT:
Polis is considering granting clemency to Tina Peters, who was convicted in a scheme to find proof of fraud in the 2020 presidential election.
Peters is serving a nine-year prison sentence for her actions.
Peters was convicted of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one count of conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, one count of first-degree official misconduct, one count of violation of duty, and one count of failure to comply with the requirements of the secretary of state.
Polis compared Peters' case to that of a former state lawmaker who received probation and community service for a similar crime.
Trump has threatened “harsh measures” against Colorado unless Peters is released and has cut off funding to the state.
Peters' lawyers are seeking to have her sentence reduced to the nearly 17 months she has already served.
WHERE:
Colorado, specifically referencing Denver and Mesa County
WHEN:
Polis made his comments on social media on March 1, 2026.
Peters was convicted in 2021.
The judge's comments about Peters' actions occurred during her sentencing in 2021.
Oral arguments regarding Peters' appeal took place in January 2026.
WHY:
Polis believes the sentence for Peters is “harsh” given her lack of a prior criminal record and is considering clemency based on perceived sentencing disparities.
Peters has not expressed remorse for her actions, which Polis indicated would be a factor in his clemency decision.
HOW:
Polis communicated his openness to clemency through a social media post on X.
Peters' lawyers are working to get her convictions overturned in the state appeals court.
Democratic Governor Jared Polis of Colorado is weighing the possibility of granting clemency to Tina Peters, a former Mesa County Clerk who is currently serving a nine-year prison sentence for her involvement in a scheme to uncover alleged fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Polis highlighted that he finds Peters' sentence to be harsh, especially considering her lack of a prior criminal record, and he made his comments on social media last Monday, while Peters' lawyers are actively seeking to have her sentence reduced to the time she has already served. Meanwhile, President Trump has threatened "harsh measures" against Colorado unless Peters is released, adding pressure to the situation as Polis navigates this complex case.