On May 30, 2026, the community of Colorado City hosted the first "Come Meet Your Republican Candidates" forum since the creation of the Mohave County Republican Central Committee District 4. Organized by District 4 Director Carl Pavilonis and Renae Pavilonis along with volunteers, the event at Cottonwood Park brought together candidates spanning federal, state, and local offices.
Forum Purpose and Attendees
The forum served as a gathering for residents from the North Canyon region, including Centennial Park and Cane Beds, ahead of the July 21 primary election. The event also drew Washington County, Utah commissioner candidates, highlighting regional ties between Colorado City and Hildale.
Federal and State Candidates Present
Federal and state-level Republican candidates were in attendance, including U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar and gubernatorial candidate David Schweikert. Other notable attendees included Andy Biggs, Scott Neely, Gina Swoboda, Elijah Norton, and Katherine Haley.
Local Mohave County Officials
Local Mohave County officials such as Board Chairman Travis Lingenfelter, County Treasurer Jeanne Kentch, and Recorder Lydia Henry were also present. Candidates for the Arizona House in Legislative District 30—David Rose, Mike Gannuscio, Grace Hecht, and Caroline Strecker—participated by engaging with the crowd.
Colorado City Council Candidates
Local politics were represented by Colorado City Town Council candidates Dale Barlow Jr., Dalton Barlow, Shelly Barlow, John Chatwin, and Lacy Blackmore.
Washington County Commissioner Candidates
The forum's reach extended into Utah, as three Republican candidates for Washington County commissioner seats attended. Incumbent Gil Almquist and challenger Bill Hoster, both running in the June 23 Utah Republican primary, were present alongside Troy Belliston, who is challenging incumbent Victor Iverson.
Important Upcoming Election Deadlines
During the event, Mohave County Recorder Lydia Henry shared important upcoming election deadlines with North Canyon residents. These included a voter registration deadline of June 22, 2026, and the start of early voting on June 24, 2026. The final day to request a mail ballot was noted as July 10, 2026, with in-person early voting concluding on July 17, 2026, leading up to the July 21 primary election.
