MEET JERRY
Rancher | Conservative | Leader
Jerry Sonnenberg was born in Sterling, Colorado and graduated from Sterling High School and attended Northeastern Junior College.
Sonnenberg worked as a cattle rancher on his family’s farm as a child and broke out on his own in 1979. He served on the Colorado Farm Bureau Board of Directors before being elected to the Colorado House of Representatives from the 65th district. At the time of his election in 2006, Sonnenberg was the only farmer and rancher in the Colorado House.
In 2014, Sonnenberg was elected to the Colorado State Senate. In the Senate, Sonnenberg served as Chairman of the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Energy Committee and Vice Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee. In 2016, Sonnenberg was selected to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
Sonnenberg has won numerous awards over his legislative career, including the 2008 Colorado Representative Of The Year award from Green Industries of Colorado, Guardian of the Taxpayers award from the Colorado Union of Taxpayers, The Common Sense In The Courtroom award for several consecutive years from the Colorado Civil Justice League and Legislator of the Year award from the Colorado Associations of Conservation Districts and Corn Growers. Sonnenberg was also awarded Friend of Farmers Union by Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Colorado Farm Bureau Pinnacle Award and Legislator of the Year from the Colorado Outfitters Association. He also received the Top Choice Award from Colorado Livestock Association and the Public Service Award from Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. Sonnenberg most recently was inducted into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Following his 16-year legislative career in the state capital, Sonnenberg returned to his family farm in Sterling. Sonnenberg continues his public service as a member of the Logan County Commission.
Jerry Sonnenberg lives in Sterling with his wife, Vonnie. They have four children and ten grandchildren.