On Friday, April 10, 2026, at 9 AM, I had the privilege of interviewing Boulder County Attorney General Michael Doherty, who is now a top runner for the Democratic nomination for Colorado’s attorney general.
Michael Doherty served in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office from 1997 to 2010. Subsequently, he relocated to the great state of Colorado and served as Deputy Attorney General. Since 2018, he has served as the Boulder District Attorney and has taken on high-profile cases, such as the King Soopers shooting and the antisemitic bombing in 2025 on Pearl Street.
So, why should Colorado high schoolers and Heritage High School students vote for him? What sets him apart from the other candidates running for office? How will he represent today’s youth? That’s what I set out for myself during the interview.
Representing Colorado’s Students
I began with a challenging question, asking him, as a candidate for a statewide office, how he intended to listen to and incorporate student voices in his decision-making process.
“Well, it’s such an important discussion, because I really do believe the serious challenges we face in this state in our country right now are only going to be solved by our own people.
People should be in the fight and in leadership positions. And that’s already happening. I do a lot of work with younger people throughout my time as district attorney for Boulder County, and I work closely with student groups on efforts to combat hate crimes. So, that’s the kind of work I’ve been doing for the last 8 years. And as a candidate for attorney general, it’s been a real focus for me as well. And I’m really inspired by that because I really do believe that they belong in the conversation, and in the change we need to see in this country.”
Mr. Doherty’s response was somewhat hesitant. While he did provide an answer to the question of his contributions to Gen Z, Generation Alpha, and the present day, he failed to address his plans for the future. Specifically, he did not explain how he intends to involve today’s youth in his campaign if he is nominated and elected, but, if anything, he doesn’t necessarily need to focus on this at the moment, since the job isn’t his.
After discussing additional questions, we finally arrived at a general question that will reveal what candidates actually believe: What measures would you take to protect students from the problems and issues we face today?
“It’s a critical issue, and one that I’m really focused on, and I will say that I truly believe your generation has greater strengths than mine did, but also more significant challenges. When I’m out in the schools and talking to students, I’m always thinking that your generation is so much more engaged, informed, and powerful than my generation was. But the challenges are more significant since becoming District Attorney, that’s been a focus for me. I started, for example, the 1st DA Human Trafficking Unit in the state. In every human trafficking case we’ve had, every single one has been kids being preyed upon through social media.”
He then brought up a real case that happened in Boulder and that he oversaw, one that mainstream media has missed covering.
“We had a young boy fall from a crane here in Boulder two years ago. His name was Ames (15) and he had bought drugs online through a social media app. His parents had no idea, and he climbed the crane while he was under the influence, and unfortunately, he fell to his death. We prosecuted the dealer, and the dealer was sent to the state prison for many, many years. So what I’m going to do as attorney general is what I’ve already started as district attorney, which is fighting to have social media companies more responsible for protecting our young people.”
The way he responded to this question and presented a real-life scenario from his career is a valuable insight. It effectively demonstrates how he serves his constituents through firsthand courtroom experience. Instead of prosecuting the people who fall into the hole, he has prosecuted the people who push others down the hole.
Quality of well-being
When they entered the next set of questions about mental health, drug use in schools, vaping, hate crimes, and the state of today’s younger generations, it became evident that these are significant issues affecting teens’ lives, even if they may not acknowledge them.
My next question was: Many students are concerned about their mental health. How can the Attorney General’s office assist in providing better access to mental health resources for teenagers?
“We rank 48th among states. We’re in the bottom three for mental health treatment being available in the community, and we see the impact on kids as well. Adults, too, but we don’t have enough mental health treatment, and as attorney general, I promise you, we’ll get that changed. “
We then fact-checked him, and his numbers were accurate. According to the Axis Mental Health Colorado ranks, Colorado ranks 46th to 50th in the nation. It’s disheartening to think that Colorado lawmakers have failed their own citizens, but it’s good that the attorney general is taking this seriously. Mental health is a big issue in the state of Colorado, as in the past 3 years, over 2 school shootings have happened in the state, along with many hate crimes. Michael Doherty could potentially reduce crime rates, unlike the current numbers.
Conclusion
After my interview with the Democratic candidate for Colorado attorney general, I felt proud to be a Coloradan. In a state that is tough on crime, there is still so much more that it can do for its people. Michael Doherty is trying to bridge that gap and make Colorado safer and better for today’s teens who face hate, violence, drugs, and more. As Attorney General, he will fight for Colorado teens’ voices and protect them from drugs and so much more. He has presented himself as, and proven to be, one of the top bipartisan picks for the job.
It’s not my job to tell you, the reader, who to vote for in this primary election in June. My job is to present facts and information honestly, to the best of my ability. I will say this: this summer, if you can vote, go out and vote. No matter who you vote for, your vote matters, and that’s something Michael Doherty can agree with as well.