3 races to watch in Colorado Springs in the 2026 election
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Colorado Springs Democrat Stephanie Vigil. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Republicans have more than seats on the line in El Paso County this election — they're fighting to preserve a congressional stronghold and a half-century lock on the county commission.
Why it matters: The local races in Tuesday's election could help Democrats shift control of the U.S. House, reach a supermajority at the Colorado Capitol and get a voice in county government.
State of play: Three contests stand out as potential Democratic pickups.
5th Congressional District: National prognosticators have shifted this district's contest to "toss-up" after previously saying the race favored Republican incumbent Jeff Crank over Democratic challenger Jessica Killin.
- Between the lines: This could be the most high-profile, competitive race in the state for Democrats, but the party has never won the seat.
County Commission District 5: Republican Commissioner Lauren Nelson faces former Springs Councilmember Yolanda Avila, a Democrat, in a district encompassing central and southeast Colorado Springs.
- Democrats see an opening in the redrawn district, and Avila has poured more than $100,000 into trying to capitalize on it.
- Nelson is emphasizing limited government and taxpayer refunds. Avila prioritizes affordable housing and transportation.
- The intrigue: An Avila victory would put a Democrat on the county commission for the first time in more than 50 years.
Colorado House District 16: Former Democratic state Rep. Steph Vigil is trying to reclaim her central Colorado Springs seat after losing reelection two years ago to Republican Rep. Rebecca Keltie by just three votes.
- Keltie isn't seeking reelection. The Republican candidate is Jill Haffley, a retired teacher and District 11 school board member.
What we're watching: National Democrats have identified it as one of four state House seats they're targeting to flip to capture legislative supermajorities.
The bottom line: The local races in red-leaning El Paso County carry major implications for who holds power after Tuesday's vote.