Meet Michael Merrifield
State Legislator
During his eight years in the state legislature, Michael has embraced his role as House District 18’s Representative with a passion that stems from his personal and professional experiences. Michael is a retired teacher, former small business owner, former Manitou Springs City Council member, family man, and outdoor enthusiast who has long enjoyed—and worked to preserve—the good things about our community. As Chair of the House Education Committee, he has played a pivotal role in supporting and improving public education. He now wants to bring his passion for public service to the job of El Paso County Commissioner for District 5.
View a summary of the legislative accomplishments that Michael has achieved in his eight years in the state House of Representatives
Dedicated Teacher
Michael taught public school for 30 years, including 16 years as vocal music teacher at Coronado High School in Colorado Springs. His choirs earned
Michael gives the commencement speech at the graduation for The Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.
national recognition and he received the Crystal Apple award in 2000 as one of Colorado Springs District #11 finest educators.
Community Leader
Michael is a long-time resident of the Pikes Peak region. First elected to Manitou City Council in 1996, he now lives in the Shooks Run neighborhood of Colorado Springs. He currently sits on the board for the Trails and Open Space Coalition and the Restorative Justice Commission.
Coalition Builder
In the legislature, Michael has had a reputation for working across party lines to get bills passed. He has spent hundreds of hours visiting with fellow citizens to learn about their most pressing issues. He has organized frequent “town hall” meetings and neighborhood coffees because he firmly believes that government leaders should be highly accessible to their constituents. As a County Commissioner, Michael will bring an important relationship with the state government based on his last eight years in the legislature. This will significantly benefit the county’s ability to get things done more effectively.
Successful Small Businessman
Michael knows first-hand the problems of small business people because he has run successful businesses in Arizona and Manitou Springs. He understands the struggles and challenges it takes to keep the doors open, to pay taxes, to manage personnel, and to meet budgets.
Protector of Parks and Open Space
Michael’s dedication to preserving the natural environment comes from 
his passion for mountain biking, backcountry skiing, and the outdoors in general. Michael has authored a well-known mountain bike guidebook, Colorado Gonzo Rides, and currently sits on the board for the Trails and Open Space Coalition. As a Colorado legislator, he has received a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters for the last seven years in a row. As a member of the Manitou Springs City Council, Michael co-authored a bond initiative to purchase areas along Fountain Creek that became open space, trails, and a skateboard park. He is currently sponsoring legislation that would give local governments and communities the first opportunity to purchase public lands from the state government for parks and open space.
The People’s Choice, The People’s Voice
El Paso County needs a voice on the County Commission that resonates with new ideas and challenges old ways of thinking and doing. Michael set a historical precedent in 2002 when he became the first Democrat elected to the state legislature from El Paso County in 12 years. Now it is time to break new ground again and make Michael Merrifield the first Democrat elected to the County Commission in 38 years.