Kent J. Thiry

Love being a father of two. Cycling enthusiast. Civically engaged. Former CEO and Executive Chairman of DaVita. Mayor Emeritus, DaVita Village.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

Political parties ignore this reality at their own peril. It’s time to stop the partisanship and start listening to the majority. It’s time to fully open the primaries and #LetColoradoVote!
https://t.co/VxIGBZaJdT

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

10 years ago, opening the primaries to Independent voters was considered crazy talk. Today, Independents are officially the majority in Colorado.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

That happened for a reason. Polling from Let Colorado Votes shows 86% of Independents intentionally chose that status to reject the two-party system. These aren't accidental voters; they are deliberate reformers seeking proportional representation the system fails to provide.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

It’s time to shift the power away from political insiders and back to the people – where it belongs.
https://t.co/BGDOOBP0Vx

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

When a handful of party loyalists can effectively rig representation, the system is broken. Colorado’s antiquated caucus-and-assembly process is structured to favor political extremes by ignoring 99% of the general electorate when it comes to deciding who gets on the ballot.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

This 19th-century system is failing 21st-century democracy. Let’s end the chaos, dump the caucuses, and demand an open primary that invites ALL voters to participate – not just party loyalists.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

We’re proud to support their mission and hope our support will help inspire the next generation of riders across our great state! Learn more and join us in fostering healthy habits for our youth at: https://t.co/lGl7l7tu3n

https://t.co/YWc0TosxcK

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

As an enthusiastic mountain biker, I know there’s no better way to experience Colorado than on two wheels! That’s why Denise and I are thrilled to sponsor the 2026 season of the Colorado High School Cycling League through the Thiry-O’Leary Foundation.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

This org accomplishes fundamentally powerful things for young people. By combining outdoor recreation, exercise and a focus on well-being, the league is empowering some 2,000 student-athletes to build self-confidence, cultivate leadership and develop appreciation of the outdoors.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

It’s time for Colorado to adopt fully open primaries to ensure every voter has a meaningful say – the way democracy was designed.

Take a look at my column in The Denver Post to learn why we need to change the system now more than ever:
https://t.co/k2BcR2BNUV

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

Elections belong to the people, not the parties. But a recent court ruling just made it easier for political parties to lock out the state’s largest voting bloc – Independents – from primary elections.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

That’s a dangerous step backward from our 2016 reform allowing Independent voters to participate in either party's primary. Democracy is on high alert in Colorado as a minority of hardline party insiders could soon dictate nominations for our taxpayer-funded general elections.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

Colorado has both an opportunity and obligation to establish our identity as the pinnacle of outdoor recreation with the twin peak of environmental stewardship. Passing HB-1008 allows us to meet that obligation and honor the legacy of our great outdoors. https://t.co/dZ8tZU8wFn

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

In a state where more than 50% of voters are independents, it’s time to retire this mess and switch to something that is more inclusive of partisans and non-partisans alike.

"This isn’t democracy, it’s dysfunction."
https://t.co/rpgsYRAYdC

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

2/2 This terrible tunnel vision decision is yet another reason why Colorado should adopt a fully open primary where each Colorado voter can vote for whomever they want, independent of party.  I am eager for this deeply flawed decision to be appealed.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

1/2 This decision tramples on the voting rights of a majority of Colorado voters, namely the independent voters.  Voters own elections, not the parties.  Voters pay for the elections, not the parties.  

https://t.co/h4tnsYIJLJ

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

Learn about this growing problem and our recent reform efforts: https://t.co/427RqUkD4t

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

The system is broken when 50% of our voters are shut out of the primary petition process. This isn't democracy, it’s a completely unreasonable structural flaw that dilutes the candidate pool and tilts the scale to favor big money.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

It's past time to eliminate this outdated rule and empower ALL voters. Open the door and let Independents sign!

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

2/2
Denise and I know the challenges professional women face all-too-well, and are pleased to play a part in elevating and celebrating their stories.

[Kent J. Thiry @KentThiry]

1/2
I had the great pleasure of presenting @ShannonBird4CO with the Advocacy Award at the @cowomenschamber State of Women in Business Luncheon earlier this month. I’ve seen former State Rep. Bird in action — and she is an incredible asset to our state and the community.