In a recent OpenAgenda interview, we sat down with James Wiley, the Republican nominee for Colorado Secretary of State, for a candid and wide‑ranging conversation about elections, governance, and the future of Colorado.
Wiley’s background is anything but typical. He spent the first 15 years of his life in Kazakhstan, where his parents worked as humanitarian and agricultural development specialists. Witnessing the collapse of the Soviet system and the absence of free‑market principles shaped his lifelong commitment to civic responsibility and economic freedom.
A Focus on Election Integrity
Wiley describes himself as a “warrior for free and fair elections,” citing his involvement in multiple lawsuits related to election procedures in Colorado and other states. He argues that trust in elections is the foundation of national unity, and that Colorado must address concerns about machine‑based voting, voter roll accuracy, and administrative transparency.
He also discusses the challenges posed by sanctuary state policies, including the Secretary of State’s office mistakenly sending mailers to non‑citizens — an issue he believes undermines public confidence.
A Different Approach to Oversight
Wiley criticizes what he sees as heavy‑handed intervention by the current Secretary of State’s office in county‑level election disputes. If elected, he says he would prioritize neutrality, transparency, and collaboration with clerks rather than punitive action.
Support for Small Businesses
Beyond elections, Wiley highlights the importance of supporting Colorado’s business community. One of his most popular proposals is automatic business filing renewal, which would eliminate unnecessary administrative hurdles for small business owners.
Campaign Strategy and Public Engagement
Wiley acknowledges that political attacks are inevitable but says he plans to meet them with humor, transparency, and a willingness to engage directly with voters. He is active across social media platforms under the name Red Flame of Liberty.
Learn More
To explore Wiley’s platform, visit wileyforcolorado.com or follow him on X at @RedFlameLiberty.
