Chief of Staff

Jason Helland

Jason Helland is the Chief of Staff for the Colorado Senate Republicans. Previously, Jason served as Policy Director, a position he held since 2017. He is a member of his church’s council, the Colorado Bar, and he volunteers for the Metro Volunteer Lawyers program with the Denver Bar Association. He is an avid hockey fan who loves any opportunity to talk about last night’s games or trade rumors. A Dakota native (North Dakota born, South Dakota raised), he now lives in Denver with his wife where the two can frequently be found reading or walking around Wash Park.

Policy Director

Taylor Boyer

Taylor Boyer currently serves as the Policy Director for the Colorado Senate Republicans – his sixth session with the caucus. Taylor lives in the Denver Metro Area with his wife and son. Before serving with the caucus, Taylor lived abroad for two years in Jamaica as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Taylor represents the Colorado State Senate as the 2nd Vice Chair of the executive committee of the Leadership Staff Professional Association, a position he was elected to this year. Taylor has previously held positions as a deputy policy director, legal assistant, communications assistant, and legislative analyst.

Budget Analyst

Colin Mullins

Colin Mullins serves as the Budget Analyst for the Senate Republicans. Colin is originally from Michigan, but has been in Colorado since 2019 when he began studying at the University of Colorado. After graduating from CU in 2023, Colin worked as the Legislative Analyst for the Senate Republicans before taking on his current role.

Policy Analyst

Natasha Harwood

Natasha Harwood serves as a Policy Analyst for the Colorado Senate Republicans, leveraging both her academic achievements and professional experience. A graduate of Florida State University, Natasha earned dual degrees in Political Science, International Affairs, and Environment & Society. Her experience in grassroots campaigning, policy outreach, and nonprofit service underscores her passion for driving meaningful change within her community. In her free time, Natasha enjoys exploring the outdoors, diving into a good book, and cheering on her favorite football teams.

Deputy Communications Director

Hayden Rastall

Policy Analyst

Lawson Faulkner

Lawson Faulkner serves as a Policy Analyst for the Senate Republicans. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill in 2023, Lawson worked for a political advocacy organization in Washington D.C. before relocating to Colorado for his current role. In his free time, Lawson enjoys exploring the outdoors, listening to new music, and volunteering with local education charities.

Data Analyst

Sophia Jantz

Sophia Jantz serves as the Legislative Analyst for the Colorado Senate Republicans. She enjoys spending time with her husband and son. As a Colorado native, she also likes hiking and spending time outdoors. She began her career in healthcare, which led to an interest in policy and eventually data. She graduated from ASU with a Bachelors in Political Science and several certifications in data analytics.

Office Director & Executive Assistant to the Minority Leader

Jerry Wheeler

Jerry Wheeler is currently our Minority Office Director. He also serves as the Executive Assistant to the Minority Leader. He brings to our staff his experience of 24 years as a Legislative Aide to over a dozen legislators. He roots for the Rockies and is a major movie fan. A Denver resident, he is active in the Denver GOP and has been a volunteer, a district captain, and a candidate.