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ICYMI: What You Need to Know About GOP Extremist Victor Marx
DENVER — After more than a week of counting votes, Victor Marx is officially the Republican nominee for Colorado Governor – and Republicans are already in full-on meltdown.Marx’s “bizarre” campaign for governor has been more of a disaster than 2022 nominee Heidi Ganahl’s conspiracy-tainted run. After using a memorial event to launch his campaign, he refused to answer basic questions – , such as how many people he may have killed as an adult, or about his dubious claims of running alleged ‘high-risk rescue missions’ in warzones across the globe. He even threatened to have his dog bite debate moderator Kyle Clark.
Marx’s campaign was also beset by claims of campaign finance malfeasance, and has already been told by the Secretary of State’s Office to completely refile finance reports and drain his leftover campaign cash to refund donors.
Other Republicans, including Ganahl and former opponents Barb Kirkmeyer and Scott Bottoms, have already said they would not support him as nominee. Kirkmeyer even said she felt unsafe in the same room as Marx. A former GOP Chair even called his run a “death wish” for the party, and some on the right have already said that wayward three-time gov candidate and former congressman Greg Lopez,who is running an unaffiliated campaign, would be their pick in November — leaving the GOP at risk of a disastrous re-run of the 2010 party split that left Republican Dan Maes with only 11% of the vote.
“By elevating Marx to lead their ticket in November, the Colorado GOP has planted their party flag all but permanently in the wilderness,” said spokesperson Kailee Stiles. “Coloradans need a governor who will fight for them — all Coloradans will ever get from Victor Marx are outrageous lies about himself to sell a few dozen more books, at best.”
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Colorado Republican Primary Nominates “Bizarre” MAGA Fringe Candidate for Governor
DENVER — Today despite months of swirling doubt and questions about his “bizarre” claims about his personal history, “high risk humanitarian” outreach work and extreme beliefs, Victor Marx was chosen as the Colorado Republican Party’s nominee for governor.
Chair Shad Murib has issued the following statement:
“Colorado families have too much at stake to risk electing a bizarre, unserious candidate like Victor Marx as governor. Even Republicans call him a con man and a cheat. Coloradans need a governor who will fight for them and address the challenges facing our state – not a MAGA charlatan. We will be taking every opportunity from now until November to hold Victor Marx for his words and actions and show voters that he has no place leading Colorado.”
Marx’s hard-right campaign have helped him capture the GOP nomination, but his own ludicrous claims will doom his longshot bid come this fall:
He says he beheaded a cat and killed a man when he was a child and won’t say if he killed others as an adult
Marx has lied about rescuing 45,000 women and children from dozens of high-risk areas worldwide to grift for his ministry,
Said he illegally led military operations against ISIS as a civilian and has a black belt in “Cajun Karate,”
Claims he can exorcise demons over the phone.
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Colorado Democrats Unite After Primary, Show Strength to Launch General Election
DENVER — Colorado Democrats today united behind their nominees for the 2026 General Election, launching the party’s coordinated campaign and kicking off the road to victory in November.
The event followed a competitive primary election, with more than 1,400,000 voters participating across Colorado. The strong turnout underscored Democrats’ readiness to take on Donald Trump and Republicans by fighting to flip the U.S. House and U.S. Senate, protect statewide offices and elect Democrats up and down the ballot this fall.
“Today, Colorado Democrats are coming together behind one ticket, one party and one goal: winning in November,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “In just 18 months, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have wrecked our economy, dragged America into another needless war, kicked tens of thousands of Coloradans off SNAP and health care insurance, and blown a billion-dollar hole in Colorado’s state budget. Democrats are organized, united and ready to protect our freedoms, lower costs, defend democracy and deliver for Colorado families.”
Democrats thanked every candidate who stepped up to run, every voter who participated in the primary and every volunteer already working to elect Democrats in November. While the primary gave voters a choice, party leaders made clear that Democrats are now moving forward united behind their nominees and focused on winning this fall.
“Thank you to Senator Bennet, to every Democrat who ran and to every Coloradan who voted in this primary,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser, Democratic nominee for Governor of Colorado. “We had a real contest, and now we have a united team. When we show up, listen to one another and work together, we win and we make life better for people. That is the work ahead.”
“Everyone here is united in our effort to expand access to health care, stop Donald Trump’s corruption and fight for working families facing rising costs,” said U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. “Together, we're building an economy that gives every Coloradan a real shot at the American dream, and we're ready to win in November.”
Now Colorado Democrats begin the General Election focused on electing Democrats at every level, including flipping Colorado's 3rd, 5th and 8th Congressional Districts with battle-tested nominees, protecting Democratic statewide offices, expanding Democratic majorities in the Colorado General Assembly and continuing to build Democratic strength in communities across the state.
Attendees included U.S. Senator Michael Bennet; U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate; Attorney General Phil Weiser, Democratic nominee for Governor; Denver Mayor Mike Johnston; Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Democratic nominee for Attorney General; U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse; U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen; House Speaker Julie McCluskie; Senate President James Coleman; State Senator Julie Gonzales; Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez, Democratic nominee for Secretary of State; State Senator Jeff Bridges, Democratic nominee for Treasurer; Melat Kiros, Democratic nominee for Colorado's 1st Congressional District; former State Representative Shannon Bird, Linda Padilla, president of LiUNA Local 720; Hetal Doshi; and Joe Reagan.
The event brought together Democratic nominees, candidates, elected officials, party leaders, volunteers and supporters committed to organizing in every corner of Colorado. The Colorado Democratic Party’s 2026 Coordinated Campaign will continue that work through canvassing, phone banking, voter registration and volunteer mobilization as Democrats fight to protect Colorado’s freedoms, lower costs for working families, defend democracy and elect Democrats up and down the ballot.
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Colorado Democrats Congratulate Melat Kiros on Winning Democratic Nomination for CD-1
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Melat Kiros on winning the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District and thanks Congresswoman Diana DeGette for her extraordinary service to Denver, Colorado, and the country.
“Tonight, Democrats in Denver made their voices heard, and our party is stronger when more people see a place for themselves in it,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “We congratulate Melat Kiros, honor Congresswoman DeGette’s remarkable service, and look forward to bringing Democrats together to win in November and keep Colorado moving forward.”
Kiros’ campaign brought new energy, new voices and new voters into the Democratic Party. Her victory marks a major moment for Colorado Democrats, and voters have reminded us that there is far more that unites us than divides us, and that our Party is healthiest when we engage in spirited conversation about the future of our country.
Her coalition included many Democratic Socialists and grassroots organizers, and we welcome their voice in our big and diverse tent. This primary reminded us that there is far more that unites us than divides us, and that our Party is healthiest when we engage in spirited conversation about the future of our country while aligning around our shared values.
Congresswoman DeGette’s decades of leadership have made a lasting mark on Colorado, from defending reproductive freedom to fighting for working families and standing up for our democracy. Congresswoman DeGette deserves our gratitude, our thanks and appreciation for her steady, principled leadership.
The Colorado Democratic Party believes strongly that voters deserve a party and campaigns that challenge us to think deeply, push our own boundaries, and engage in difficult conversations.
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Colorado Democrats Congratulate Dwayne Romero on Winning Democratic Nomination for CD-3
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Dwayne Romero on winning the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District and thanks Alex Kelloff for his energetic campaign and commitment to Colorado.
CD-3 will be one of Colorado’s most important races in November, and Democrats are ready to compete across Western and Southern Colorado with a nominee focused on lowering costs, protecting freedoms, and standing up for working families. The Colorado Democratic Party is building a campaign that touches every district this fall, and Western and Southern Colorado are ready to elect new leadership focused more on them than doing Washington’s bidding.
“Dwayne Romero is ready to take this fight directly to Congressman Jeff Hurd and give CD-3 the representation it deserves,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “We are grateful to Alex Kelloff and his supporters for their energy and commitment to this race. Now Democrats are coming together to defeat Congressman Jeff Hurd, flip this seat, and deliver real leadership for Western and Southern Colorado.”
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Colorado Democrats Congratulate Jessica Killin on Winning Democratic Nomination for CD-5
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Jessica Killin on winning the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District and thanks Joe Reagan for his campaign. .
Killin enters the general election ready to fight for Colorado Springs families, lower costs, protect freedoms, and bring serious leadership to a district that deserves better than Jeff Crank’s loyalty to Donald Trump and the Republican agenda. As one of our top priorities, the Colorado Democratic Party looks forward to holding Jeff Crank accountable for letting Trump rip Space Command from Colorado Springs, support the MAGA giveaways to wealthy corporations, and make life harder for veterans.
“Jessica Killin is ready to take on Jeff Crank and give El Paso County a representative who puts Colorado families first,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “As an Army veteran, Jessica brings a spirit of service, a can-do attitude, and a laser focus on cutting costs and improving lives to this race. Now our party is united behind her and ready to compete, organize, and win in November.”
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Colorado Democrats Congratulate Phil Weiser on Winning Democratic Nomination for Governor
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Attorney General Phil Weiser on winning the Democratic nomination for governor and thanks U.S. Senator Michael Bennet for his campaign and decades of service to Colorado.
Attorney General Weiser has been on the front lines of holding the Trump administration accountable, protecting the rule of law, and taking on powerful interests that harm workers, consumers and everyday Coloradans. His campaign laid out a vision for a Colorado that is more affordable, more just, and more prepared to meet the challenges ahead.
“Phil Weiser has never backed down from a fight when Colorado families, workers, consumers, or our democracy are on the line,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “We thank Senator Bennet for his extraordinary service and his work to protect public lands, expand opportunity, and build a stronger Democratic Party across Colorado. Democrats are coming out of this primary united, focused, and ready to win in November.”
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Colorado Democrats Congratulate Manny Rutinel on Winning Democratic Nomination for CD-8
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates State Representative Manny Rutinel on winning the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District and thanks Shannon Bird for her spirited campaign and commitment to Colorado.
CD-8 is one of the most competitive districts in the country, and Rutinel enters the general election ready to unseat Republican incumbent Gabe Evans, lower costs, protect Coloradans’ freedoms, and fight for working families. Gabe Evans can be defined by his support for pardoning January 6 insurrectionists who attacked police officers, supporting Trump’s giveaways to billionaires that working people are paying for, and being a rubber stamp vote for the MAGA agenda.
“Manny Rutinel is ready to take on Gabe Evans and give CD-8 the energetic and thoughtful leadership it deserves,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “We thank Shannon Bird and her supporters for her work in this primary. Now Democrats are united behind State Representative Manny Rutinel, ready to flip this seat, and focused on winning in November.”
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Colorado Democrats Congratulate Amanda Gonzalez on Winning Democratic Nomination for Secretary of State
DENVER — The Colorado Democratic Party congratulates Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez on winning the Democratic nomination for Colorado Secretary of State and thanks State Sen. Jessie Danielson for her campaign and service to Colorado.
Gonzalez has spent her career protecting access to the ballot, strengthening trust in government, and running fair, secure, and accessible elections. As Secretary of State, she will defend Colorado’s nationally recognized election system and stand up to Republican attacks on voting rights.
“Amanda Gonzalez knows elections, knows Colorado, and knows what it takes to protect democracy when it is under attack,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. “We are grateful to Jessie Danielson and her supporters for bringing their energy and ideas to this race. Democrats are coming out of this primary united, focused, and ready to win in November.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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