5 things to watch on Election Day in Colorado
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Colorado Democrats are eyeing a rout in Tuesday's election — but conservatives could still score major victories on the same ballot.
Why it matters: The results will carry weight far beyond Election Day — from state policy over the next four years to Denver's bid to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention.
Here are five storylines we're watching:
🌊 1. How big is the blue wave?
Democrats expect comfortable wins at the top of the ticket, led by gubernatorial nominee Phil Weiser and incumbent U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper.
- The question remains: Will those gains come with coattails that carry down-ballot races?
- Democrats are targeting the competitive 8th Congressional District and Republican-held local offices, from Garfield County commissioner to Grand County clerk and recorder.
🔴 2. Can Dems crack El Paso County?
Three races could test the GOP's power in Colorado's largest, historically Republican county.
- Congress: If Jessica Killin unseats Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank, she'll become the first Democrat ever to win the 5th Congressional District.
- County commission: A win by Yolanda Avila would mark the first Democratic victory for a seat on the commission.
- Statehouse: Democrat Steph Vigil's comeback bid — after losing the seat by just three votes in 2024 — could help Democrats secure a state House supermajority.
3. 👀 How secure are the polls?
The Trump administration plans to send federal election watchers to Adams County, stoking concerns about voter intimidation.
- Congressional Democrats and Republicans also plan to monitor voting in Adams and El Paso counties, home to competitive House races.
- Secretary of State Jena Griswold, the Democratic nominee for attorney general, is trying to calm nerves, telling reporters Monday: "Coloradans should not be scared to cast their ballots."
4. 🌹 Can Denver's socialists gain ground?
Democratic socialists want to expand their influence in two high-profile races.
- In Congress: Melat Kiros is running for the 1st Congressional District seat after ousting a 29-year incumbent in the Democratic primary.
- At City Hall: Candidates affiliated with the movement are competing for the citywide council seat vacated by Sarah Parady.
5. ⚖️ Will conservatives win at the ballot box?
Shut out of statewide elected office, conservatives have turned to ballot measures to advance policies that Republican candidates have long struggled to enact.
- Conservative activists are backing 11 statewide ballot questions, including proposals to cap the state income tax and restrict transgender students' participation in school sports.
- Victories would give conservatives a way to shape policy even as Democrats control elected office.
The bottom line: Democrats aren't just fighting to win — it's how far those victories reach.