Overview
- The Colorado governor highlighted the gap between Tina Peters’ nine-year sentence and probation given to former state senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis, who was also convicted of attempting to influence a public official.
- Polis extended the clemency application window to April 3 and, according to his office, is evaluating a potential commutation rather than a pardon.
- Top Democrats including Attorney General Phil Weiser and Secretary of State Jena Griswold, along with county clerks, objected, saying Peters’ conduct compromised election security and that she has shown no remorse.
- Peters’ legal team and allies are urging clemency, with her lawyer expressing hope for a reduced sentence soon, while President Trump has repeatedly pressed for her release and issued a symbolic federal pardon that has no effect on state convictions.
- Separately, the Colorado Court of Appeals is reviewing the length of Peters’ sentence, and judges have signaled they may reduce it.