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Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters

To hear his critics tell it, Gov. Jared Polis is an "accomplice" to President Trump.

Politics

To hear his critics tell it, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Jared Polis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/21/polis-pressure-tina-peters-transfer" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/21/polis-pressure-tina-peters-transfer" target="_self">Gov. Jared Polis</a> is an &quot;accomplice&quot; to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s attacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/21/trump-threat-colorado-tina-peters" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/21/trump-threat-colorado-tina-peters" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s attacks</a> on democracy who gave Colorado &quot;a black eye&quot; and undermined the rule of law by granting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clemency to Tina Peters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/15/polis-tina-peters-sentence-clemency" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/15/polis-tina-peters-sentence-clemency" target="_self">clemency to Tina Peters</a>.Why it matters: The harsh words — all from leaders of his own party — show how a single once-unthinkable act could tarnish Polis&#x27; eight-year legacy and his political future.

REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store

The boycott comes after the co-op and its union failed to reach a contract agreement last month.

Business

A union representing REI employees is urging customers to boycott the outdoor retailer&#x27;s anniversary sale this week, including at its Denver flagship store.Why it matters: The sale — running now through May 25 — is one of REI&#x27;s biggest of the year and draws large crowds.State of play: The boycott comes after the co-op and its union failed to reach a contract agreement last month, with the union calling management&#x27;s latest offer &quot;unacceptable.&quot;<ul><li>The union is imploring shoppers to skip the sale in solidarity after &quot;four years of bad faith contract negotiations and REI&#x27;s scorched-earth union-busting campaign.&quot;</li></ul>Eleven REI stores nationwide have unionized since 2022.<ul><li>Those stores are located in Chicago; Boston; New York; Berkeley and Santa Cruz, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Durham and Greensboro, North Carolina; Maple Grove, Minnesota; Castleton, Indiana; and Bellingham, Washington.</li><li>A 12th store recently filed to unionize in San Diego.</li></ul>Yes, but: Demonstrations backing the boycott are happening at non-union stores, such as those in Colorado, UFCW 3000 spokesperson Rich Smith tells Axios.<ul><li>A lone organizer stood outside the flagship store on Platte Street on Tuesday handing out leaflets to customers, most of whom hadn&#x27;t known about the boycott and ignored it.</li></ul>Between the lines: The union says REI&#x27;s latest proposal would restrict organizing activity at other stores and limit workers&#x27; public criticism of the company.<ul><li>The outdoor co-op, founded in Seattle and with more than 190 U.S. stores, is losing its soul, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="union workers say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/today-landmark-boycott-of-rei-begins-in-stores-and-online/" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/today-landmark-boycott-of-rei-begins-in-stores-and-online/" target="_blank">union workers say</a>.</li><li>The unionized stores want better pay, scheduling and working conditions.</li></ul>The other side: REI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/document/some-straightforward-facts-about-rei-co-op-s-union-negotiations" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/document/some-straightforward-facts-about-rei-co-op-s-union-negotiations" target="_blank">says</a> the union has taken bargaining discussions out of context.<ul><li>In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="written statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/rei-co-op-statement-on-bargaining-status-and-union-s-planned-boycott" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/rei-co-op-statement-on-bargaining-status-and-union-s-planned-boycott" target="_blank">written statement</a> this month, the company called the boycott push &quot;a disappointing move&quot; that hurts the co-op &quot;instead of advancing negotiations.&quot;</li><li>REI also said it is &quot;ready to continue bargaining.&quot;</li></ul>

Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low

Street homelessness in Denver fell 64% since 2023, city leaders say.

News

Denver&#x27;s homelessness fell to its lowest level in nine years, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest point-in-time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" target="_self">latest point-in-time</a> (PIT) count, which found street homelessness has dropped 64% since Mayor Mike Johnston took office in 2023. Why it matters: The sharp decline marks a major milestone for Johnston&#x27;s signature homelessness initiative, All In Mile High (AIMH), which has garnered both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national acclaim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" target="_self">national acclaim</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" target="_self">local scrutiny</a> since launching three years ago.

House GOP seeks Denver immigration records

The House Judiciary Committee sent letters to three city agencies Wednesday.

Denver is in the crosshairs of congressional Republicans targeting &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/democrats-trump-sanctuary-cities-ice-funding" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/democrats-trump-sanctuary-cities-ice-funding" target="_self">sanctuary cities</a>&quot; that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.Why it matters: A U.S. House committee is demanding immigration policy records from Denver law enforcement, thrusting the city deeper into another national fight over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="policies dividing residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/21/denver-capitol-rally-ice-enforcement" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/21/denver-capitol-rally-ice-enforcement" target="_self">policies dividing residents</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing federal scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/trump-sanctuary-cities-mayors-ice-immigration" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/trump-sanctuary-cities-mayors-ice-immigration" target="_self">drawing federal scrutiny</a>.

GOP candidates for governor clash in first televised debate

Much of the attention focused on Rep. Scott Bottoms, a far-right pastor who repeated debunked claims.

Election

Two Republican candidates for governor outlined vastly different visions for Colorado, with one touting bipartisanship and the other pledging to be &quot;uncompromising.&quot;State of play: The remarks from state Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barbara Kirkmeyer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/09/barbara-kirkmeyer-colorado-governor-race-republican" data-vars-content-id="0bdb7c66-1af7-4bf3-9658-04a4ad3b7065" data-vars-headline="GOP candidates for governor clash in first televised debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/09/barbara-kirkmeyer-colorado-governor-race-republican" target="_self">Barbara Kirkmeyer</a> and state Rep. Scott Bottoms came Thursday during the campaign&#x27;s first televised debate and reinforced the stakes in the race.

Weiser and Bennet trade Trump attacks

The governor's race is turning negative ahead of the June 30 primary.

From the opening moments of the first televised debate, the Democratic candidates for Colorado governor clashed over who&#x27;s best qualified to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fight President Trump" 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="3fd1a557-0cbd-4b8e-93a0-301523ec1f7b" data-vars-headline="Weiser and Bennet trade Trump attacks" 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">fight President Trump</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/05/colorado-governor-race-democrats-fundraising-bloomberg" data-vars-content-id="3fd1a557-0cbd-4b8e-93a0-301523ec1f7b" data-vars-headline="Weiser and Bennet trade Trump attacks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/05/colorado-governor-race-democrats-fundraising-bloomberg" target="_self">governor&#x27;s race</a> is turning negative well ahead of the June 30 primary election as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phil Weiser" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/28/colorado-governor-democratic-primary-state-assembly" data-vars-content-id="3fd1a557-0cbd-4b8e-93a0-301523ec1f7b" data-vars-headline="Weiser and Bennet trade Trump attacks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/28/colorado-governor-democratic-primary-state-assembly" target="_self">Phil Weiser</a> and Michael Bennet dissect each other&#x27;s records in search of an advantage.

5 takeaways from Colorado campaign fundraising reports

Two months before the June primary election, the Colorado governor's race has topped $20 million.

Two months before the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June primary election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/12/gop-primary-election-ballot-colorado" data-vars-content-id="6481a665-049e-46ed-92df-520c3e674243" data-vars-headline="5 takeaways from Colorado campaign fundraising reports" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/12/gop-primary-election-ballot-colorado" target="_self">June primary election</a>, the Colorado governor&#x27;s race has topped $20 million.Why it matters: The big money attests to the high stakes in the 2026 contest, where the candidates with the most cash hold a strategic advantage.

Wanda James downplays spoiler role in 1st District primary

James qualified on the ballot after collecting signatures.

University of Colorado regent Wanda James has built an unconventional career, spanning business, military service and the cannabis industry.Why it matters: She&#x27;s now eyeing Congress, challenging the U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in a suddenly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="competitive Democratic primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/28/diana-degette-melat-kiros-denver-colorado-1st-congressional-district" data-vars-content-id="29e488e4-338a-4000-9240-102b08b5dd45" data-vars-headline="Wanda James downplays spoiler role in 1st District primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/28/diana-degette-melat-kiros-denver-colorado-1st-congressional-district" target="_self">competitive Democratic primary</a> for Colorado&#x27;s 1st Congressional District. But James insists she&#x27;s no spoiler.

Lauren Boebert's fundraising is dismal

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert raised $90,000 in the first three months of the year.

U.S. Rep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lauren Boebert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/06/24/lauren-boebert-controversy-congress" data-vars-content-id="bf8191fc-f184-488a-b8da-cbc1b004dd1c" data-vars-headline="Lauren Boebert&#x27;s fundraising is dismal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/06/24/lauren-boebert-controversy-congress" target="_self">Lauren Boebert</a> raised a paltry $90,000 in the first three months of the year and reported just $219,000 in the bank ahead of the November election.Why it matters: The Windsor Republican&#x27;s fundraising is by far the weakest of any Colorado congressional incumbent, according to an Axios Denver analysis of new campaign filings.

Diana DeGette debuts TV ad to remind voters of her 30-year tenure

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette is reintroducing herself to Denver voters in the 2026 election as a progressive Democrat.

Fifteen terms into her congressional tenure, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette is reintroducing herself to Denver voters in the 2026 election as a progressive Democrat.Why it matters: That she needs to do so is remarkable given her extended tenure in Congress, but it comes as she faces a well-organized primary challenge from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Melat Kiros" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" data-vars-content-id="7746c491-0cd7-47b5-8184-5e4978c9a505" data-vars-headline="Diana DeGette debuts TV ad to remind voters of her 30-year tenure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" target="_self">Melat Kiros</a>, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly prevented" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/28/diana-degette-melat-kiros-denver-colorado-1st-congressional-district" data-vars-content-id="7746c491-0cd7-47b5-8184-5e4978c9a505" data-vars-headline="Diana DeGette debuts TV ad to remind voters of her 30-year tenure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/28/diana-degette-melat-kiros-denver-colorado-1st-congressional-district" target="_self">nearly prevented</a> DeGette from making the ballot.

Colorado GOP starts 2026 campaign in the red

The GOP is looking at a bleak 2026 midterm election in Colorado, where Democrats hold every statewide office.

The Colorado Republican Party gathered over the weekend to energize loyalists and name its candidates to challenge the state&#x27;s dominant Democratic Party.Why it matters: The GOP is facing a bleak 2026 election cycle in Colorado, where Democrats hold every statewide office.

Who made the GOP primary election ballot in Colorado

The state Republican Party met at the party assembly to pick its contenders for the 2026 elections.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amid the chaos, " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/12/colorado-republiican-party-gop-2026-primary-election" data-vars-content-id="ba4f9dd5-099f-4b0e-b25d-41c292c74834" data-vars-headline="Who made the GOP primary election ballot in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/12/colorado-republiican-party-gop-2026-primary-election" target="_self">Amid the chaos, </a>the state Republican Party picked its contenders for the 2026 elections.State of play: Here&#x27;s where things stand:

Colorado voters sour on Democratic leaders

Colorado voters are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the state's Democratic leaders, a new poll shows.

Colorado voters are increasingly pessimistic about the state&#x27;s Democratic leaders, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new poll" data-vars-click-url="https://copollinginstitute.org/poll/2026-04-november-statewide-poll/" data-vars-content-id="d53cf352-0222-46fd-86f2-bb52a3d626ed" data-vars-headline="Colorado voters sour on Democratic leaders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://copollinginstitute.org/poll/2026-04-november-statewide-poll/" target="_blank">a new poll</a> shows.Why it matters: The attitude shift among likely voters comes ahead of the 2026 election and offers insight into June&#x27;s primary contests.

Two Democratic candidates qualify for secretary of state race

The office is currently held by Democrats.

Jefferson County clerk Amanda Gonzalez and state Sen. Jessie Danielson will compete in the Democratic Party primary for secretary of state after earning enough votes at Saturday&#x27;s party assembly.Why it matters: The office is currently held by Democrats, and the party is confident it will retain the seat, making the primary winner the automatic frontrunner.

A heat table that compares fundraising, spending and cash on hand in Coloradoâs Democratic governor primary through April 30, 2026. Rocky Mountain Way raised the most at $6.07 million and held $4.61 million. Phil Weiser spent the most at $3.2 million.

Election 🗳️

GOP candidates for governor clash in first televised debate

Weiser and Bennet trade Trump attacks

5 takeaways from Colorado campaign fundraising reports

Wanda James downplays spoiler role in 1st District primary

Lauren Boebert's fundraising is dismal