What the 2025 election results mean in Colorado
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Colorado voters set aside concerns about the rising cost of living and endorsed higher taxes and spending in statewide and local ballot measures in Tuesday's election.
Why it matters: The results are a potential bellwether for the 2026 election when the ballot is expected to ask voters consequential questions about taxes and government spending, as well as determine U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races.
Driving the news: Denver voters led the way with overwhelming approval of a $950 million bond package pushed by Mayor Mike Johnston. The projects will transform the city over the next six years, from new parks and neighborhood revamps to a "state-of-the-art" first responder training facility and a library-housing development.
- The Johnston administration projects it will create 7,000 jobs and generate $1.8 billion in economic impact.
- It will cost nearly $2 billion to pay down.
Zoom in: The proposal tested voters' appetite to take on more city debt as economic uncertainty clouds both Denver's books and the global outlook. Many also saw it as a referendum on Johnston himself, who poured political capital into the package.
- Despite the mayor facing growing criticism in recent weeks over what some describe as a lack of transparency and growing untrustworthiness, voters ultimately stood behind him.
Meanwhile, with food assistance under threat nationwide, Colorado voters made a statement with the passage of propositions LL and MM to provide universal free school meals to students.
- Both increased taxes on Coloradans earning more than $300,000 a year to cover the program's growing expenses.
- A portion of the new tax revenue will go toward the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits once it resumes. President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act put additional costs on states.
The big picture: The 2025 election generated little voter interest, keeping turnout modest despite easily accessible mail-in ballots.
- The Vibrant Denver campaign promoting the bonds raised nearly $2 million, largely from wealthy donors and entities poised to benefit from the spending. The opposition posted a scant $8,000 in fundraising through Oct. 29.
The bottom line: The results show Colorado voters are open-minded about spending measures, particularly when targeted at priority projects.