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Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer

The state's warm, dry winter helped create conditions for the venomous reptiles to emerge earlier than usual..

News

Rattlesnake bites are climbing in Colorado and across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parts of the West" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/18/rattlesnake-bites-double-utah-hiking" data-vars-content-id="4fcc404b-e4e9-418b-a59e-a309638e4eec" data-vars-headline="Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/18/rattlesnake-bites-double-utah-hiking" target="_self">parts of the West</a> this summer due in part to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record-warm, dry winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/23/the-west-s-record-breaking-warm-winter-mapped" data-vars-content-id="4fcc404b-e4e9-418b-a59e-a309638e4eec" data-vars-headline="Rattlesnake bites are up in Colorado this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/23/the-west-s-record-breaking-warm-winter-mapped" target="_self">record-warm, dry winter</a> that experts say prompted the venomous reptiles to emerge earlier than usual.Why it matters: State wildlife officials say hikers, trail runners and dog owners should be extra vigilant as snake activity ramps up across the state.

Gut-wrecking stomach bug cases confirmed "throughout" Colorado

The state has recored 90 cases this year.

Health

Colorado public health officials have recorded 90 local cases of a parasite so far this year, though where specifically remains unclear.The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness — called cyclosporiasis — is caused by a microscopic parasite spreading through contaminated food

Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race

The Colorado Springs resident's past is a red flag that Democrats will spotlight in the general election.

Election

Political newcomer Victor Marx, who said he once killed a man at age 7, narrowly emerged as the winner of the Republican primary for governor, a week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after the election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-democratic-primary-results-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="c19e9572-7d23-4169-ad4e-5fcbabcf4e25" data-vars-headline="Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-democratic-primary-results-takeaways" target="_self">after the election</a>.Why it matters: The Colorado Springs resident&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="controversial past" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/local-politics/victor-marx-on-his-claims-about-his-life/73-f8d30137-0dce-4b59-a9ee-a266cb23fc13" data-vars-content-id="c19e9572-7d23-4169-ad4e-5fcbabcf4e25" data-vars-headline="Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/local-politics/victor-marx-on-his-claims-about-his-life/73-f8d30137-0dce-4b59-a9ee-a266cb23fc13" target="_blank">controversial past</a> gives Democrats a line of attack in November&#x27;s general election, making the uphill climb even steeper for Republicans, who haven&#x27;t won the governor&#x27;s office in 14 years.

Adult summer camp craze takes off in Colorado

Adult camps promise something increasingly hard to find: real-world connection.

Summer camp isn&#x27;t just for kids anymore.The big picture: Adventure and connection seekers in Colorado are increasingly signing up for grownup versions, complete with zip lines, campfires and speed-friending.

Kiros win spotlights local Democratic Socialists' growing influence

Kiros' primary win marks the group's biggest electoral breakthrough yet.

During her victory speech before a raucous crowd, Democratic congressional candidate Melat Kiros thanked the groups <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="behind her upset win" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-primary-results-melat-kiros-beats-diana-degette" data-vars-content-id="00ad919d-02d5-4a81-be59-f0f176e52712" data-vars-headline="Kiros win spotlights local Democratic Socialists&#x27; growing influence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-primary-results-melat-kiros-beats-diana-degette" target="_self">behind her upset win</a>. No namedrop drew cheers louder than the Democratic Socialists of America. Why it matters: Kiros&#x27; victory is Denver DSA&#x27;s biggest electoral breakthrough yet, signaling an influence expanding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beyond local races" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/30/colorado-primary-election-state-legislature-results/" data-vars-content-id="00ad919d-02d5-4a81-be59-f0f176e52712" data-vars-headline="Kiros win spotlights local Democratic Socialists&#x27; growing influence" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/30/colorado-primary-election-state-legislature-results/" target="_blank">beyond local races</a> and positioning it to help send its first member-backed candidate to Congress.

3 takeaways from Colorado's primary election

A socialist and an upset: Colorado's leftward primary

The candidates who pushed against the status quo racked up victories and kept races closer than expected.

Politics & Policy

Colorado progressives flexed their muscle in Tuesday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/30/what-to-watch-primary-election-night-colorado" data-vars-content-id="c6a58634-8fb8-4404-9ece-895dbb09e4a0" data-vars-headline="3 takeaways from Colorado&#x27;s primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/30/what-to-watch-primary-election-night-colorado" target="_self">Democratic primary</a>, scoring marquee wins up and down the ballot.Why it matters: The results suggest Colorado Democrats aren&#x27;t just rebuking President Trump — they&#x27;re increasingly demanding a more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confrontational brand of politics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/17/colorado-democrats-adopt-fighter-mentality-on-campaign-trail" data-vars-content-id="c6a58634-8fb8-4404-9ece-895dbb09e4a0" data-vars-headline="3 takeaways from Colorado&#x27;s primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/17/colorado-democrats-adopt-fighter-mentality-on-campaign-trail" target="_self">confrontational brand of politics</a>.

Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary

Melat Kiros is poised to become the first Black woman to represent Colorado in Congress.

Progressive upstart Melat Kiros completed a monumental upset <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/17/attack-ads-political-collusion-1st-district-primary" data-vars-content-id="55cc1477-02b3-4c33-85f3-6fbe24a59008" data-vars-headline="Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/17/attack-ads-political-collusion-1st-district-primary" target="_self">over U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette</a>, defeating the 15-time incumbent on Tuesday to secure the Democratic nomination in Colorado&#x27;s 1st Congressional District, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072169343215870142?s=20" data-vars-content-id="55cc1477-02b3-4c33-85f3-6fbe24a59008" data-vars-headline="Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072169343215870142?s=20" target="_blank">AP reports</a>.Why it matters: The 29-year-old&#x27;s victory proves that anti-establishment <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="victories in New York City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/mamdani-lander-valdez-chevalier-espaillat-goldman" data-vars-content-id="55cc1477-02b3-4c33-85f3-6fbe24a59008" data-vars-headline="Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/mamdani-lander-valdez-chevalier-espaillat-goldman" target="_self">victories in New York City</a> can be replicated, likely increasing anxiety for other Democratic incumbents.

Michael Allen wins Colorado's GOP race for attorney general

Allen is a career prosecutor and Navy veteran.

Michael Allen won the Republican nomination Tuesday in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado&#x27;s race for attorney general" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-gop-race-attorney-general-michael-allen-david-willson" data-vars-content-id="d0bf3852-692a-4ba6-9328-e8b10f64f391" data-vars-headline="Michael Allen wins Colorado&#x27;s GOP race for attorney general" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-gop-race-attorney-general-michael-allen-david-willson" target="_self">Colorado&#x27;s race for attorney general</a>, defeating fellow Republican David Willson, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137545228374130" data-vars-content-id="d0bf3852-692a-4ba6-9328-e8b10f64f391" data-vars-headline="Michael Allen wins Colorado&#x27;s GOP race for attorney general" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137545228374130" target="_blank">per the AP</a>.Why it matters: Allen advances to a November showdown with Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Secretary of State Jena Griswold." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/jena-griswold-colorado-attorney-general-race" data-vars-content-id="d0bf3852-692a-4ba6-9328-e8b10f64f391" data-vars-headline="Michael Allen wins Colorado&#x27;s GOP race for attorney general" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/jena-griswold-colorado-attorney-general-race" target="_self">Secretary of State Jena Griswold.</a> A win would make him Colorado&#x27;s first Republican attorney general in nearly a decade.

Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor

Weiser's win makes him the favorite entering the November general election.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser won <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Democratic nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-democratic-primary-governor-bennet-weiser" data-vars-content-id="973927f8-aeb0-4b48-a4de-affc1e7defd4" data-vars-headline="Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-democratic-primary-governor-bennet-weiser" target="_self">the Democratic nomination</a> for governor Tuesday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defeating" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137336775647527?s=20" data-vars-content-id="973927f8-aeb0-4b48-a4de-affc1e7defd4" data-vars-headline="Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137336775647527?s=20" target="_blank">defeating</a> U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in a primary upset that underscored voter frustration with Washington.Why it matters: Democrats have dominated statewide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-voter-guide-what-to-know-about-the-candidates-and-top-races" data-vars-content-id="973927f8-aeb0-4b48-a4de-affc1e7defd4" data-vars-headline="Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-voter-guide-what-to-know-about-the-candidates-and-top-races" target="_self">elections</a> for more than a decade, making Weiser the early favorite for November.

Manny Rutinel defeats Shannon Bird in closely watched 8th District race

The race in Denver's north suburbs is expected to help determine control of the U.S. House.

Manny Rutinel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won the Democratic nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072133341373993154" data-vars-content-id="3dc76505-7a75-476c-a814-99a6597fee60" data-vars-headline="Manny Rutinel defeats Shannon Bird in closely watched 8th District race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072133341373993154" target="_blank">won the Democratic nomination</a> Tuesday in Colorado&#x27;s 8th Congressional District, setting up a marquee matchup in November against Republican incumbent Gabe Evans for one of the nation&#x27;s most competitive House seats.Why it matters: The race in Denver&#x27;s northern suburbs could help decide control of the U.S. House. Democrats view Colorado&#x27;s 8th District as one of their best pickup opportunities after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican Gabe Evans unseated Democrat Yadira Caraveo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/10/caraveo-concedes-evans-colorado-8th-district-race" data-vars-content-id="3dc76505-7a75-476c-a814-99a6597fee60" data-vars-headline="Manny Rutinel defeats Shannon Bird in closely watched 8th District race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/10/caraveo-concedes-evans-colorado-8th-district-race" target="_self">Republican Gabe Evans unseated Democrat Yadira Caraveo</a> by less than a percentage point in 2024.

Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger

The result is a win for the Democratic establishment.

John Hickenlooper beat back a progressive challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzales on Tuesday, winning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Democratic nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-us-senate-democratic-primary-hickenlooper-gonzales" data-vars-content-id="5982f3a0-e26b-4c46-8ecc-3d8423f25381" data-vars-headline="Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-us-senate-democratic-primary-hickenlooper-gonzales" target="_self">the Democratic nomination</a> for U.S. Senate and advancing to the November general election in his bid for a second — and final — term, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072132526307512331" data-vars-content-id="5982f3a0-e26b-4c46-8ecc-3d8423f25381" data-vars-headline="Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072132526307512331" target="_blank">AP reports</a>.Why it matters: The result is a win for the Democratic establishment at a moment when progressive challengers are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing veteran incumbents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/09/progressive-democratic-party-establishment-2026-election" data-vars-content-id="5982f3a0-e26b-4c46-8ecc-3d8423f25381" data-vars-headline="Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/09/progressive-democratic-party-establishment-2026-election" target="_self">testing veteran incumbents</a> across the state and nationally.

Progressive secures Democratic nomination for Colorado secretary of state

The Jefferson County clerk's victory gives Colorado's progressive wing a significant primary-night win.

Amanda Gonzalez defeated state Sen. Jessie Danielson on Tuesday, winning the Democratic nomination for Colorado secretary of state, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6e27997c-e939-4ca5-af89-5ed279df7a22" data-vars-headline="Progressive secures Democratic nomination for Colorado secretary of state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/" target="_blank">according to the AP</a>. Why it matters: Her victory marks a breakthrough for Colorado&#x27;s progressive wing, showing Democratic voters were willing to reject an experienced legislator in favor of a candidate backed by the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Jena Griswold wins Colorado's Democratic primary for AG

Griswold entered the race as the perceived frontrunner after nearly eight years as Colorado's chief elections official.

Jena Griswold won Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic primary for attorney general" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-democratic-attorney-general-doshi-griswold-daugherty-seligman" data-vars-content-id="2f1d6a2c-fc22-45b3-b055-efeaa9a19721" data-vars-headline="Jena Griswold wins Colorado&#x27;s Democratic primary for AG" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-democratic-attorney-general-doshi-griswold-daugherty-seligman" target="_self">Democratic primary for attorney general</a> on Tuesday, making the two-term secretary of state the party&#x27;s nominee for one of the state&#x27;s most powerful elected offices, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072129269266813186?s=20" data-vars-content-id="2f1d6a2c-fc22-45b3-b055-efeaa9a19721" data-vars-headline="Jena Griswold wins Colorado&#x27;s Democratic primary for AG" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072129269266813186?s=20" target="_blank">according to the AP</a>.Why it matters: In a Democratic-controlled state, Griswold&#x27;s victory positions her as the likely frontrunner in the November general election, barring any major surprises.

Election 🗳️

Victor Marx wins GOP nod for Colorado governor in tight race

Kiros win spotlights local Democratic Socialists' growing influence

3 takeaways from Colorado's primary election

Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary

Michael Allen wins Colorado's GOP race for attorney general