Cleave Alan Simpson Jr.[1] (born 1960/1961)[2] is an American politician from Alamosa, Colorado. A Republican, Simpson represents Colorado State Senate District 6.[3][4] Prior to the implementation of 2020 redistricting in 2023, Simpson represented the former Colorado State Senate District 35.[5] He was elected as minority leader in June 2025.[6]
Simpson is the general manager of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District and also served on the Adams State University Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2020. A native of the San Luis Valley, he is a fourth-generation farmer and rancher there. He graduated from the Colorado School of Mines in 1984.[7][8]
In the 2020 Republican primary election of Colorado's 35th Senate district, Simpson ran unopposed.[9] In the 2020 general election, Simpson defeated his Democratic Party opponent, winning 60.12% of the vote.[10]
Simpson ran for re-election in 2024. In the Republican primary election held June 25, 2024, he ran unopposed.[11] In the general election held November 5, 2024, Simpson defeated Democratic candidate Vivian Smotherman, winning 55.91% of the total votes cast.[12]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Cleave Simpson | 43,970 | 60.12% | |
| Democratic | Carlos R. Lopez | 29,163 | 39.88% | |
| Total votes | 73,133 | 100% | ||
| Republican hold | ||||
Statewide political officials of Colorado | ||
|---|---|---|
| U.S. senators |  | |
| State government | ||
| Senate |
| |
| House |
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| Supreme Court |
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