Montrose County Commissioner Sean Pond has withdrawn from the race for Colorado’s U.S. Senate seat, ending a campaign that saw the newcomer move from local government into a statewide race in less than two years.
Pond announced his decision Friday in a lengthy Facebook post reflecting on his time in politics, his appointment to the Montrose County Board of Commissioners and his experience running for higher office.
“A year and a half ago, I knew absolutely nothing about politics,” Pond wrote. “I was not a career politician. I was not someone who spent years preparing to run campaigns or navigate political systems. I was simply a guy from western Colorado fighting for land, liberty, and the way of life I love.”
Pond, a Nucla resident, first gained attention through his opposition to the proposed Dolores Canyons National Monument.
He later entered politics after being appointed to the Montrose County commission in 2025 following the death of former Commissioner Rick Dunlap.
Earlier this year, Pond launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate despite having never previously run for elected office. After failing to secure enough support at the Republican Assembly to make the primary ballot, he switched parties and continued his campaign as the American Constitution Party candidate.
In his statement, Pond said the assembly process taught him that “passion, momentum, debate performances, grassroots energy, endorsements, relationships, organizational support, and long established networks all play a major role in modern politics.”
“Political parties are institutions built on trust, coalitions, influence, and relationships developed over many years,” he wrote. “Whether people fully understand that or not, that is reality.”
Pond said his campaign and time in office changed his perspective on politics and government.
“I do not look at politics the same way I did when this journey started,” he wrote. “I needed to go through all of this to truly understand it. I needed to experience the inside of the system instead of simply talking about it from the outside.”
Despite ending his Senate bid, Pond said he still believes many Americans feel disconnected from government and institutions.
“This is not about giving up on the principles that brought me into public life in the first place,” he wrote. “I still believe Colorado is at a crossroads. I still believe everyday people deserve a voice.”
Pond also thanked supporters, volunteers, donors and campaign staff who backed his candidacy during the race.
“I learned a tremendous amount through this experience,” he wrote. “I am deeply humbled and eternally grateful to every single person who believed in us and helped carry this campaign forward.”
Pond said he is uncertain what comes next politically but said the experience gave him a “far deeper understanding of people, institutions, leadership, and what it truly takes to create lasting change.”
