Election 2020: Meet Michael Rourke, the man running unopposed for Weld County District Attorney

By Kelly Ragan

Michael Rourke is running unopposed for Weld County District Attorney. Even so, we think it’s important for you to get to know who he is and what he stands for.

First things first. What does a District Attorney do?

In Colorado, there are 22 district attorney offices broken up into 22 judicial districts.

District attorneys are responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in their jurisdiction. They decide whether to prosecute criminal cases, offer plea bargains, or convene a grand jury.

Why did you decide to run for office?

I truly believe I have the best job on the planet. Being appointed DA, and subsequently getting elected, has afforded me an opportunity to work with an amazing group of professionals dedicated to public safety and justice for victims. Representing the people of this community is an incredible honor.

What issues are most important to you?

Public safety is the single most important issue to me as DA, as a resident of Weld County and as a father and husband. Offenders must be held accountable, and those contemplating the commission of a crime in our county must understand that there will be consequences for such conduct. If re-elected, what are the top three things you’d like to accomplish? If re-elected, my office will prioritize the prosecution of offenders who commit:

1. Crimes against children

2. Violent crimes, including sexual assaults

3. Habitual criminal offenses

How do you plan to do so?

Prioritize resources dedicated to those offenses which have the greatest impact on our community. Those resources primarily include the time and effort of our attorneys and staff. Our successes in those cases must be publicized to send the message to other offenders that they will be held accountable for their crimes.

What relevant, previous experience do you have?

I am a career prosecutor, having gone to law school solely to become a deputy district attorney. I have worked both in the 18th Judicial District (Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties) and the 19th Judicial District (Weld County). I was hired as a Chief Deputy District Attorney in Weld County in 2005, was promoted to Assistant District Attorney in 2007, was appointed District Attorney in 2014, and was elected in 2016. I am a member of the Colorado District Attorney’s Council Governing Board and am the immediate past president. I am also the State Director for the State of Colorado to the National District Attorneys Association.

What skills, training, resources, and expertise do you feel you have to offer?

I have been a prosecutor for nearly 24 years. During that time, I have tried numerous first-degree murder cases, sexual assaults, and crimes against children, as well as many other felony trials. I routinely train other prosecutors and law enforcement personnel on legislative changes, no-body homicide prosecutions, significant case law opinions from our appellate courts, and sexual assault prosecutions.

What would you most like voters to know about you?

It is an incredible honor to serve as your District Attorney and I would be humbled to be given an opportunity to do so for another four years. I live in this community.