PRESS
For media inquiries, please email press@coloradodems.org.
Colorado Democrats Congratulate Jena Griswold on Winning Democratic Nomination for Attorney General
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Secretary of State Jena Griswold on winning the Democratic nomination for Colorado Attorney General and thanks Hetal Doshi, Michael Dougherty, and David Seligman for their inspiring and energetic campaigns, and their commitment to Colorado.
As Secretary of State, Griswold has led our state through a defining moment for democracy, defending Colorado’s elections, protecting access to the ballot, and standing up against efforts to undermine trust in our institutions. As Attorney General, she will bring that same urgency to protecting Coloradans’ rights, freedoms, and families.
“Jena Griswold knows what it means to stand on the front lines when our rights and our democracy are under attack,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “We are grateful to Hetal Doshi, Michael Dougherty, David Seligman, and their supporters for a spirited primary that made our party stronger. Now, Democrats are united behind Secretary Griswold and ready to defeat Republicans in November.”
###
Colorado Democrats Congratulate John Hickenlooper on Winning Democratic Nomination for U.S. Senate
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper on winning the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate and thanks State Senator Julie Gonzales for her spirited campaign and commitment to Colorado.
Senator Hickenlooper has spent his career delivering lasting results for Colorado. As governor, he helped usher in Colorado’s nation-leading gun safety laws, vote-by-mail election system, marijuana legalization framework, and the Colorado Water Plan. In the U.S. Senate, he has helped deliver historic investments in infrastructure, climate resilience, and American innovation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS and Science Act, while continuing to defend Colorado’s public lands and freedoms.
“John Hickenlooper’s record is Colorado’s record of progress,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “From gun safety and vote-by-mail to climate, infrastructure, innovation, and public lands, Senator Hickenlooper has helped shape some of Colorado’s biggest steps forward. We are grateful for his continued service to our state, and we thank Senator Gonzales, a thoughtful policy leader, valued partner, and friend, for her campaign and her leadership on reproductive rights and voting rights. Now Democrats are ready to unite and protect this seat in November.”
Colorado Democrats Congratulate Eileen Laubacher on Winning Democratic Nomination for CD-4
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Eileen Laubacher on winning the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District.
Laubacher enters the general election ready to give CD-4 the serious, service-driven leadership it deserves. In November, Democrats are focused on defeating Lauren Boebert and replacing chaos, extremism, and self-promotion with a representative who will fight for Colorado families.
“Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher has spent her life serving our country, and she is ready to bring that same commitment to improving lives, protecting freedoms, and saving money for the people of CD-4,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “Colorado Democrats are united behind Eileen and ready to defeat Congresswoman Lauren Boebert in November.”
###
Colorado Democrats Congratulate Brittany Pettersen on Winning Democratic Nomination for CD-7
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen on winning the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 7th Congressional District.
Congresswoman Pettersen is a trusted, effective leader who has spent her career fighting for Colorado families. In Congress, she has worked to lower costs, protect reproductive freedom, expand access to health care, and deliver for communities across CD-7. Women everywhere are inspired by Congresswoman Pettersen’s fight to advance the rights of mothers and parents in the workplace, and to improve the lives of Coloradans by cutting costs and fighting for common-sense in Washington.
“Brittany Pettersen brings heart, grit, and results to everything she does,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “Colorado Democrats are proud to stand with Congresswoman Pettersen as we head into November united, energized, and ready to defeat Republicans up and down the ballot.”
###
Colorado Democrats Congratulate Jason Crow on Winning Democratic Nomination for CD-6
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Congressman Jason Crow on winning the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 6th Congressional District.
Congressman Crow is a highly respected leader with a record of service, integrity, and results. In Congress, he has fought to protect democracy, strengthen national security, lower costs for families, prevent gun violence, and defend Colorado values. Congressman Crow has been a spirited leader, inspiring veterans and servicemembers alike towards honoring their duty to their country and pushing back against a vengeful president and and illegal orders he makes.
“Congressman Jason Crow leads with courage, principle and a deep commitment to the people he represents,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “Colorado Democrats are proud to stand with Jason as we head into November united, energized, and ready to defeat Republicans up and down the ballot.”
###
Colorado Democrats Congratulate Joe Neguse on Winning Democratic Nomination for CD-2
The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Congressman Joe Neguse on winning the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District.
Congressman Neguse is one of Colorado’s most effective and respected leaders, with a record of delivering for working families, protecting public lands, defending democracy, and standing up for Colorado values in Congress.
“Congressman Joe Neguse has earned deep trust across CD-2 because he shows up, listens and delivers,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “Colorado Democrats are proud to stand with Congressman Neguse as we head into November united and ready to defeat Republicans up and down the ballot.”
Colorado Democrats Congratulate Jeff Bridges on Winning Democratic Nomination for Treasurer
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Jeff Bridges on winning the Democratic nomination for Colorado State Treasurer.
Bridges enters the general election ready to protect Colorado’s finances, invest in working families, and make sure Colorado keeps delivering for the people it serves.
“Jeff Bridges is ready to be a responsible steward of Colorado’s finances and our future while always putting working families first,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “This November, Democrats are united behind candidates who will protect our freedoms, strengthen our economy, and put Colorado families first. We are proud to stand with Senator Bridges, and ready to win.”
Chaotic GOP Primary Closes with Candidates Ramping Up Extremism
DENVER – With only one day left of the primary election, the GOP candidates for governor are still stuck running to the far right. For Kirkmeyer, Bottoms and Marx, it isn’t enough to support January 6th insurrectionists, push to outlaw abortion, promise sweeping cuts to Medicaid, or stay loyal to Trump; they always find another way to alienate Coloradans.
Kirkmeyer and Bottoms this weekend attended failed 2022 gov candidate Heidi Ganahl and far-right radio host Jeff Hunt’s mega-MAGA fest in Douglas County this weekend, rubbing elbows with figures like Colorado election denier Tina Peters, MAGA YouTube influencer Nick Shirley, conspiracist Lara Logan, Dog the Bounty Hunter and Fox News host Greg Gutfeld.
Despite promises to appear to organizers, Marx conspicuously backed out just days before the event, continuing his pattern of evading the public and avoiding hard questions about his past and experience as a so-called ‘high-risk humanitarian.’ Even a month after his disastrous interview with Kyle Clark, Marx still has provided no proof of any of his supposed international rescues or exploits, or any of his many other ludicrous claims.
“No matter what happens on Primary Day, the Republican candidates have made it clear they will prioritize loyalty to the extreme wing of their party over everything else,” said spokesperson Kailee Stiles. “We can’t trust them to stand up to the attacks on our freedoms from Washington or take the issues of regular Coloradans seriously – they will always bend the knee to the MAGA right.”
###
Colorado Democrats Respond to Colorado Supreme Court Ruling on Redistricting Initiatives
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party released the following statement after the Colorado Supreme Court today blocked proposed ballot initiatives that would have allowed Colorado voters to respond to Donald Trump’s unprecedented election-rigging scheme:
“Today's decision is a loss for America but a win for Republicans backing Donald Trump’s effort to rig congressional elections, because they know their agenda of plunging America into war, driving up costs for working families and silencing communities of color is deeply unpopular,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “After Louisiana v. Callais weakened the Voting Rights Act, MAGA politicians are redrawing district lines in real time to dilute voters’ power, silence communities of color and lock in control before a single ballot is cast. The Colorado Supreme Court denied voters the chance to have their say, emboldening MAGA politicians in other states. We respect the Court’s ruling, but we’ll keep fighting to protect voters, win back the House in 2026 and keep it in 2028.”
The ruling comes as Trump and Republicans across the country push mid-decade redistricting schemes designed to eliminate Democratic districts before voters can cast a single ballot. At Trump’s urging, MAGA politicians have targeted Democratic-held seats in Texas, Ohio, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee.
Colorado’s proposed ballot measures would have asked voters whether the state should adopt temporary congressional maps for the 2028 and 2030 elections before returning to the independent redistricting process after the 2030 Census.
Instead, Republican legal challenges led by former Secretaries of State Scott Gessler and Wayne Williams blocked Colorado voters from having their say.
What They’re Saying: Denver Post Editorial Shows Messy Republican Primary for Gov
DENVER — Colorado Republicans are racing to rock bottom to lead their party’s unserious ticket in the fall in a messy, “off the rails” primary campaign filled with extreme views and distractions from the issues most concerning to Coloradans.
This week the Denver Post Editorial Board weighed in, describing Republican candidates for governor in detail: their hard-right views, histories of lying to the public, and unwavering support for Trump.
What They’re Saying on the Republican Candidates for Governor:
Scott Bottoms “pledged to defund public education” and remains “obsessed” with his false conspiracy “that a sex trafficking ring is being run in the governor’s office.”
Barb Kirkmeyer is a “no-nonsense Trump supporter” who says she will “work with Trump” as governor — despite attempts to say she’ll govern as a moderate.
MAGA Victor Marx’s campaign is “bizarre to say the least,” and a “huckster…who misleads people when talking about the work” of his Christian missionary organization.
The Board’s editorials make the stakes of the chaotic Republican primary clear — no matter who wins their nomination on June 30, their candidate for governor will be too extreme for Colorado.
###
Colorado Democratic Party Launches 2026 Colorado County Comeback
CDP pledges largest investment yet in investment in county parties to build lasting infrastructure and support local candidates running for office in 2026
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party today announced the launch of the 2026 Colorado County Comeback, a statewide initiative to invest in county parties, support county candidates, and build Democratic power across Colorado. This program will build on the $50,000 in grants dispersed during the 2024 election cycle.
The 2024 Colorado County Comeback was a direct driver of CDP’s success moving red and rural county vote outcomes towards Democrats, in some cases doubling county budgets while investing in long-term infrastructure in places such as Lincoln, Las Animas, El Paso, Douglas, Park, and Grand counties, among others.
The program will provide targeted grants, campaign planning, training and staff support to candidates and county parties competing in key local races. A first round of applicants will receive initial grants in July 2026, with additional support later in the cycle.
Congressman Jason Crow is helping lead this year’s program with a $20,000 pledge. County Commissioner Andy Kerr returns to support funding and leading this program he co-created in 2024 alongside CDP Chair Shad Murib.
“The next frontier of Colorado politics is local,” said Shad Murib, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party. “County commissioners, school board members and local leaders make decisions that shape people’s lives every day. They decide whether communities have affordable housing, protected public lands, good jobs and a government that actually listens. Colorado Democrats are not writing off any county. We are building the party county by county, race by race and voter by voter.”
“I’ve run for local office and served in the legislature and at the county level. The lesson is pretty simple: if Democrats want to win more places, we have to invest in more places,” said Andy Kerr, Jefferson County Commissioner. “County Comeback gives local candidates the support they need to knock doors, talk to voters and run campaigns that actually fit their communities. That’s how we build a stronger party from the ground up.”
Colorado County Comeback first launched in 2024 to support candidates and local parties in battleground counties. That year, the program supported 17 counties across Colorado and helped local county parties and candidates make nearly 60,000 door attempts and 23,000 phone attempts. In 2026, CDP is relaunching the program earlier, with more planning, more training and stronger support for local campaigns.
“Democrats have to show up everywhere to earn voters’ trust and win,” said Congressman Jason Crow. “That’s not done overnight. It’s built through the time, energy, and investment we put into every community in Colorado. I’m proud to partner with CDP on the Colorado County Comeback to support the county parties & local candidates who are on the frontlines of doing that. They know what it takes to fight and deliver for working families, and I’m supporting them to get it done.”
Democrats are underrepresented in county offices across Colorado, including on county commissions, where Democrats hold just 34% of seats. These are the offices making some of the most important decisions about housing, roads, water, public lands and whether communities get the resources they need.
“County government is where policy becomes personal,” said Summit County Commissioner Nina Waters. “The decisions county commissioners make affect whether people can afford to live where they work, whether we’re prepared for wildfire, how we protect our water, and how our communities grow in ways that reflect residents’ needs. Colorado County Comeback is about helping local Democratic candidates show voters how strong leadership on everyday issues can make a real difference.”
The 2026 program will focus on battleground county-level races led by both incumbents and challengers. CDP will prioritize campaigns that can grow local organizing capacity, expand voter contact, build the Democratic bench and strengthen county parties for future cycles.
“For rural Democrats, this program means we’re not fighting for the future of our community alone,” said Robert Rice, Chair of the Alamosa County Democratic Party. “The San Luis Valley deserves leaders who understand our water, our farms, our schools and our families. Our leaders also need to understand issues concerning rural healthcare, which has become increasingly problematic. A little support goes a long way in a county like ours. It helps us knock more doors, talk to more neighbors and remind people that Democrats are fighting for communities too often left out of statewide political conversations.”
“Douglas County is changing because people here are organizing,” said Meg Furlow, Chair of the Douglas County Democratic Party. “We are talking to parents, workers, small business owners and neighbors who want practical leaders, not partisan chaos. Colorado County Comeback gives local parties like ours the support to keep building precinct by precinct. Douglas County Democrats are ready to compete everywhere.”
Local races also help build the next generation of Democratic leadership. County candidates and local elected officials often become the organizers, validators and future statewide leaders who help Democrats compete up and down the ballot.
“Chaffee County has shown what is possible when local candidates have the resources to run real campaigns,” said JoAnne Allen, Chair of the Chaffee County Democratic Party. “County parties know their communities, but they need early support to recruit candidates, train volunteers and reach voters. Colorado County Comeback is not just about one election. It is about building durable local power that lasts after Election Day.”
Applications for the 2026 Colorado County Comeback are now open. County parties and candidates interested in applying can learn more at Coloradodems.org/comeback.
###
5 Things to Know in the Republican Gov Primary With Two Weeks to Go
DENVER — With only two weeks until Election Day and ballots in voters’ mailboxes, there are 5 key things Colorado voters need to know about the Republican primary candidates for Governor.
Republican candidates for governor hold extreme, far-right views that are nowhere close to what Coloradans want in their next governor. All three candidates are Trump supporters, and hold far-right beliefs on common sense gun safety, reproductive and LGBTQ rights, and election security.
Scott Bottoms is a conspiratorial extremist who has spent years spewing hatred in the statehouse, including against LGBTQ and people of color, and said he would put a prominent election-denier in his cabinet as governor. He claims to be investigating extensive child abuse, but literally runs from being held accountable for his words.
Both-Ways Barb Kirkmeyer is an out-of-touch career politician who defended Trump’s budget bill that gutted Colorado’s funding by $1.2 billion and forced Coloradans off of SNAP, kicked thousands off their insurance and raised healthcare costs.
Both-Ways Barb wants to be governor but proudly supported a measure for Weld County to secede — even doubling-down on it in a recent debate — and says she “doesn’t believe in any exceptions for abortion” and would eliminate Medicaid services for Coloradans in need.
MAGA Victor Marx, the best-funded candidate in the race, won’t say whether he’s killed anyone as an adult.
“The Republicans vying for governor all support Trump and his inflationary agenda, would all ban abortion if they could, and represent fringe conspiracies that Coloradans have rejected time and again,” said Kailee Stiles, spokesperson for the Colorado Democratic Party. “While Republicans debate conspiracies, homicide histories, and attempt to out-bizarre one another, Democrats are discussing real ideas and solutions for the next four years. Voters know who is taking the future of our state seriously — and it’s not Bottoms, Kirkmeyer or Marx.”
###
Trump Loves Inflation. Do Bottoms, Marx and Kirkmeyer Love It, Too?
Trump Says He Doesn’t Care, “I Love It, I Love the Inflation.”
DENVER – Following the federal Bureau of Labor and Statistics announcement yesterday that national inflation had risen to 4.2% in the last year, the fastest rise in years, Donald Trump told White House reporters, “I love it, I love the inflation.”
Meanwhile, Coloradans are being crushed by Trump’s disastrous economic and energy policies. Trump’s outrageous war in Iran, tariffs, and the persistent effects of Trump’s Big Ugly Bill that decimated the state budget by over $1.2 billion. Energy costs alone have risen 5% and gas prices remain over $4.20 statewide, making it even harder for Colorado families trying to afford transportation, groceries, and other basic necessities.
ICYMI:
“Denver-area inflation increases to 5%. Blame energy costs.” - Colorado Sun
“US small business sentiment falls in May as inflation worries mount “- Reuters
“SNAP Tracker: People are Losing Food Assistance as the Republican Megabill is Implemented” - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
“Rising fuel prices shaping summer plans” - Fox31
“Coloradans are hurting, and we know why. Trump’s chaotic war in the Middle East, tariffs that crush small businesses, and surging healthcare costs from last year’s disastrous budget law have led to the worst economic conditions in years — and he says he loves it. Trump’s callousness is obvious, but voters deserve to know: Do the Republicans running for governor love inflation, too?” said Kailee Stiles, spokesperson for the Colorado Democratic Party.
###
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear Rallies Colorado Democrats at 9th Annual Obama Gala
DENVER — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear delivered the keynote address at the Colorado Democratic Party’s 9th Annual Obama Gala Dinner tonight, energizing a crowd of party leaders, elected officials, organizers and grassroots supporters from across Colorado gathered at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
In his remarks, Beshear spoke about the stakes of the 2026 election, the need to elect Democrats up and down the ballot and the importance of steady, values-driven leadership that improves people’s lives. He praised Colorado Democrats for building a strong, competitive party and urged Democrats to stay focused on winning back power in Congress, protecting fundamental freedoms and electing leaders who put working families first.
“Colorado Democrats know how to win tough races: by showing up everywhere, listening to people and fighting for the common good," Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said. "I’m grateful to stand with them as they work to elect good people up and down the ballot and build a future where every family can thrive.”
Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib praised Beshear’s remarks and said the evening showed the strength and unity of Colorado Democrats heading into a critical election cycle.
“Governor Beshear reminded us what Democratic leadership is supposed to look like: steady, focused and rooted in making people’s lives better,” Murib said. “Tonight showed that Colorado Democrats are ready for the fights ahead. We’re building the strongest party operation we’ve ever had, competing in every corner of the state and organizing to win races up and down the ballot in 2026.”
The 9th Annual Obama Gala followed DemFest 2026, the Colorado Democratic Party’s largest grassroots organizing event of the year. More than 1,500 Democrats gathered earlier in the day for candidate forums, fireside chats, organizing conversations and issue-focused programming ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
The evening also honored Democratic leaders and volunteers helping build the party's future, including Congressman Joe Neguse as Democrat of the Year, Pueblo County Democratic Party Vice Chair and Colorado Young Democrats Vice President Sydney Haney with the Murphy Roberts Rising Star Award, Douglas County Democratic Party Chair Meg Furlow as Volunteer of the Year and Colorado Treasurer Dave Young with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A recording of Beshear’s remarks will be made available upon request.
###
Colorado Democratic Party Rebukes Gov. Polis’ Commutation of Tina Peters
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party State Central Committee voted Wednesday to rebuke Gov. Jared Polis’ commutation of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters.
The text of the approved statement, which expands on Chair Murib’s original statement on May 15, can be found below:
“Tina Peters was convicted by a jury of her peers and sentenced by a judge who said she would do it all over again if she could. The Republican district attorney who prosecuted her called any sentence reduction ‘a gross injustice.’ He’s right.
Reducing her sentence now, under pressure from Donald Trump, is not justice. It sends a message to future bad actors that election tampering has consequences, unless you’re friends with the president. That’s a dangerous and disappointing precedent to set.
Colorado has spent years building trust in our elections and proving they are secure. At a time when democracy and voting rights are under attack across the nation, weakening accountability for someone convicted of undermining that trust is a mistake.
There are real cases that deserve the Governor’s attention and action. This is not one of them.
The State Central Committee finds that Governor Jared Polis’s decision to grant clemency to Tina Peters materially harmed the Colorado Democratic Party’s institutional credibility and efforts to defend democratic institutions and election integrity.
The State Central Committee formally condemns Governor Jared Polis’s clemency decision regarding Tina Peters and formally censures Governor Jared Polis for conduct inconsistent with the Colorado Democratic Party’s commitment to democratic institutions, election integrity, and public accountability.
The Colorado Democratic Party further clarifies that the clemency decision does not reflect the values, institutional positions, or democratic commitments of the Colorado Democratic Party.
The Colorado Democratic Party reaffirms its unwavering commitment to election workers, free and fair elections, and the rejection of election denialism and disinformation in all forms.
The State Central Committee recognizes the hundreds of Democrats who swiftly organized and raised their voices in defense of democracy and public trust in Colorado’s election system following the commutation decision.
Until further action by the State Central Committee or Executive Committee, Governor Jared Polis shall not participate as an honored guest, featured speaker, or officially recognized representative of the Colorado Democratic Party at Party-sponsored events and functions, including but not limited to the Obama Gala and DemFest.”
###
Colorado Democratic Party Issues Statement on Gov. Jared Polis’ Commutation of Tina Peters’ Sentence
DENVER — Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib released the following statement after Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters:
“Tina Peters was convicted by a jury of her peers and sentenced by a judge who said she would do it all over again if she could. The Republican district attorney who prosecuted her called any sentence reduction ‘a gross injustice.’ He’s right.
Reducing her sentence now, under pressure from Donald Trump, is not justice. It sends a message to future bad actors that election tampering has consequences, unless you’re friends with the president. That’s a dangerous and disappointing precedent to set.
Colorado has spent years building trust in our elections and proving they are secure. At a time when democracy and voting rights are under attack across the nation, weakening accountability for someone convicted of undermining that trust is a mistake.
There are real cases that deserve the Governor’s attention and action. This is not one of them.”
###
Colorado Democratic Party AnnouncesDemFest 2026 Programming Lineup
The largest grassroots organizing event of the year is packed with
candidate forums, fireside chats and conversations about the Party’s future.
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party today announced the official programming lineup for DemFest 2026, a daylong gathering of Democratic candidates, elected officials, organizers, activists and voters from across Colorado on Saturday, June 6 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event will feature candidate forums, fireside chats and organizing conversations focused on the major races and issues shaping Colorado’s future, including the races for Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State and Congress. Guests will hear from candidates from across the state in one centralized location.
“This is a moment when people want to be involved because they’re worried about their country and want to know how our Party is ready to lead,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “Coloradans are looking for leaders focused on lowering costs, protecting freedoms, improving public safety and delivering results. DemFest will bring together the people organizing, campaigning and fighting for Colorado’s future.”
Featured programming includes:
A gubernatorial forum with U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser
An Attorney General forum featuring Hetal Doshi, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, Secretary of State Jena Griswold and David Seligman
A Secretary of State forum featuring State Senator Jessie Danielson and Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez
A CD8 forum featuring Shannon Bird, Evan Munsing and State Representative Manny Rutinel
A CD5 forum featuring Jessica Killin and Joe Reagan
A CD3 forum featuring Alex Kelloff and Dwayne Romero
A CD1 fireside chat featuring CU Regent Wanda James and Melat Kiros
A fireside chat with State Senator Julie Gonzales
Invitations to participate in DemFest programming were extended to all Democratic candidates for statewide and congressional office.
Members of the public can get their free ticket at Coloradodems.org/demfest
The event will be hosted by the University of Denver’s Director of the Center on American Politics Seth Masket and former Denver City Councilwoman At-Large Robin Kniech.
Additional conversations and appearances will include Congressman Jason Crow, State Senator Jeff Bridges, Colorado Young Democrats and more. Throughout the day, attendees will hear discussions focused on affordability, quality of life, organizing for 2026 and the issues shaping Colorado’s future.
Community organizations, advocacy groups and Democratic candidates from across Colorado will also table throughout the event, giving attendees opportunities to connect directly with campaigns and organizations and find ways to get involved in their communities right away.
DemFest 2026 is free and open to the public, though registration is required.
Members of the public can get their free ticket at Coloradodems.org/demfest
Additional speakers and programming will be announced in the coming weeks.
###
House Majority PAC Will Buy $9 million in 2026 Midterm TV and Digital Ads in Colorado
DENVER – House Majority PAC is reserving more than $9 million in Colorado media markets for the 2026 election cycle, part of a $272 million national investment announced this week.
The reservations cover Denver ($6.85 million), Colorado Springs ($1.16 million), Grand Junction ($280,000), and Spanish-language programming in Denver ($810,500). Booking this early allows Democrats to lock in lower ad rates before competitive demand drives prices up.
The markets targeted ensure that Democrats will be on the air statewide this fall, and constituents of Lauren Boebert, Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd, and Jeff Crank will learn how Republicans have failed to lower the cost of food, gas, rent and health care for Colorado families, including by supporting President Trump’s tax break for billionaires.
“Colorado is the spear tip of taking back control of Congress,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “National Democrats know this and they’re investing in us and trusting us to get the job done with strong infrastructure, competitive candidates, and a forward-looking vision for the country.”
This investment follows a strong quarter for Colorado Democrats: the Party grew its war chest and party membership, surpassing one million registered Democrats across the state, drew nearly 16,000 participants to its caucus and assembly process – doubling participation – and held a state assembly in Pueblo featuring its youngest delegate class in years.
Looking ahead, the Colorado Democratic Party is already hiring key staff positions for its fall campaign, coordinating with partners, preparing to invest State Party dollars directly into infrastructure and voter plans built by county parties, and enjoys strong fundraising and cash on hand heading into the fall campaign.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Republican Party is deeper in debt, wants to kick unaffiliated voters out of its Party primaries, and is without a chair after a disastrous state assembly.
###
Colorado Democratic Party Announces Results from April 10-11 Multi-County Assemblies
DENVER – The Colorado Democratic Party today announced that the following candidates earned access to the Democratic primary ballot after multi-county assemblies held on April 10 and 11.
Senate District 21: Adrienne Benavidez and Alex Ryckman
Senate District 25: William Lindstedt
House District 3: Gena Ozols
House District 9: Monica VanBuskirk and Neal Walia
House District 13: Chris Floyd and Consuelo Redhorse
House District 18: Amy Paschal
House District 19: Jillaire McMillan and Anil Pesaramelli
House District 24: Lisa Feret
House District 26: Meghan Lukens
House District 29: Lori Goldstein
House District 35: Lorena Garcia
House District 36: Michael Carter
House District 38: Gretchen Rydin
House District 47: Victor Meyers
House District 48: Dez Packard
House District 49: Lesley Smith
House District 54: Mallory Martin
House District 57: Elizabeth Velasco
House District 58: Susanna Smith
House District 59: Katie Stewart
House District 60: Kathryn Green
House District 61: Eliza Hamrick
House District 62: Matthew Martinez
House District 64: Maureen Dower
Find results from previous multi-county assemblies here.
###
Colorado Democratic Party Releases 2026 Platform
The Colorado Democratic Party today released its 2026 Party Platform, adopted by delegates at the Party’s State Assembly in Pueblo.
The platform was built through a grassroots process that engaged tens of thousands of Coloradans, including more than 58,000 Democrats who were surveyed and hundreds who submitted priorities and suggestions. It reflects input from community leaders, stakeholder groups, party caucuses and elected officials across the state.
Compared to previous versions, the 2026 platform is 27% shorter by page count and 40% shorter by word count, with a more accessible reading level to better connect with voters. This accomplishes a campaign promise by CDP leadership to democratize and improve the platform to be a document built for all Coloradans, not just Party insiders.
“We set out to create something more readable, more grassroots, and grounded in the priorities of everyday Coloradans,” said Platform Committee Chair Jen Hancock. “This platform was built over nine months with input from thousands of Coloradans, with representatives from every corner of our state, and reflects the work ahead of us over the next two years.”
“This is a platform we can actually take to our neighbors,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “It’s clear, concise and rooted in the real challenges Coloradans are facing. While not everyone will agree with every item, this document reflects a truly democratic process, and drives a hard contrast with the Republican platform of raising costs at the gas pump, grocery store, and doctor’s office for everyday Coloradans.”
The full platform is available at coloradodems.org/platform