Primary ballot set for new 8th District races in Colorado
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Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
The primary field is essentially set for the contests that will decide who represents Colorado's new 8th Congressional District.
Why it matters: The race is the most-watched in Colorado this election and holds national significance because of the north metro Denver district's near-even partisan split.
- It's a possible Republican pickup, part of the party's efforts to retake the U.S. House.
Driving the news: On the Democratic side, State Rep. Yadira Caraveo, who drew the backing of the party establishment, qualified for the primary after a vote by delegates Tuesday evening during a virtual assembly — and through the petition process.
- Her more progressive rival Chaz Tedesco, an Adams County commissioner, did not appear to reach the 30% threshold needed, according to preliminary results. The party said the vote was too close to call as of Tuesday night.
The other side: Lori Saine, a former state lawmaker and current Weld County commissioner, landed at the top of the ballot as the only prominent candidate at the Republican assembly Saturday.
- Three other high-profile Republican candidates — state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, Thornton Mayor Jan Kulmann and former Army Green Beret Tyler Allcorn — qualified for the ballot by collecting voter signatures on petitions.
What to watch: The GOP race pits the party establishment against its more ardent factions.
- Saine is from the GOP's far-right wing and says she wants to go to Washington to fight "socialism," while the other candidates are more traditional conservatives, focusing on taxes and Second Amendment rights.