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Colorado voters sour on Democratic leaders

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

Election

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.

Molly Brown House debuts rare Titanic artifacts

The new artifacts will be on display through December.

Things to Do

Five days before the Titanic sank, American writer Archibald Gracie penned an unknowingly foreboding letter aboard the colossal ocean liner.Zoom in: &quot;It is a fine ship this, but I shall await my journey&#x27;s end before I pass judgment on her,&quot; he wrote in a letter dated April 10, 1912, sending the letter a day later when the ship was docked in Queenstown, Ireland.

Six new spots to eat and drink in Denver

Some debuts come straight from local culinary luminaries.

Food and Drink

Several new and upcoming bars and restaurants are lighting up the city, including a sprinkling of high-profile debuts from culinary luminaries.Zoom in: We found six spots that recently opened or are set for a spring debut.

Colorado is losing companies to rival states, report finds

The findings sound an alarm about the state's economic competitiveness and business environment.

Business

Major companies are increasingly departing Colorado, shrinking their footprint or bypassing it altogether for expansion or relocation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new report" data-vars-click-url="https://cochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025-Relocations-Tracker.pdf" data-vars-content-id="dfa6ef34-106a-4f85-8dfe-3f96559b4f74" data-vars-headline="Colorado is losing companies to rival states, report finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2025-Relocations-Tracker.pdf" target="_blank">a new report</a> shows.Why it matters: The findings — from a recent Colorado Chamber Foundation study — are sounding an alarm about the state&#x27;s economic competitiveness and business environment.

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.

Colorado AG primary remains tight after party assembly

Democrats hold the advantage in Colorado entering the 2026 election.

The Democratic primary for attorney general remains a four-way, competitive contest after two high-profile candidates qualified at Saturday&#x27;s party assembly in Pueblo.Why it matters: Democrats <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hold the advantage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/15/colorado-democrat-2024-election-polls" data-vars-content-id="4766bc9c-d4d9-4b3e-a215-81420febff68" data-vars-headline="Colorado AG primary remains tight after party assembly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/15/colorado-democrat-2024-election-polls" target="_self">hold the advantage</a> in Colorado entering the 2026 election, and the winner of the party primary will start as the frontrunner for the November election.

Julie Gonzales qualifies for ballot to challenge to challenge Hickenlooper in U.S. Senate race

The opposition to the first-term senator's re-election campaign represents a rebuke from the party's progressive wing.

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper will face a progressive state senator in the Democratic primary election to secure reelection.Why it matters: The opposition became clear at the Democratic Party assembly Saturday in Pueblo, which Hickenlooper didn&#x27;t attend, as progressives cheered loudly for his rivals.

Without Bennet, Weiser dominates assembly vote for governor

The race is the most high-profile contest in the June 30 party primary.

Phil Weiser declared himself the &quot;candidate of Colorado&quot; and labeled his absent rival, Michael Bennet, the &quot;candidate of Washington&quot; at the Democratic Party assembly Saturday.Why it matters: Weiser&#x27;s remark is set to define the testy Democratic contest for governor ahead of June&#x27;s primary.

Jeff Bridges wins Democratic nomination in Colorado treasurer's race

The three-way Democratic contest for state treasurer is now a one-candidate race.

The three-way Democratic contest for state treasurer is now a one-candidate race.State of play: State Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) won 44% of the vote at the Democratic Party assembly Saturday in Pueblo.

DeGette avoids upset, makes 1st District ballot

The winner of June's Democratic primary is essentially guaranteed a win in November.

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette narrowly secured a position in the 1st Congressional District primary election Friday, but the 15-term incumbent&#x27;s name won&#x27;t appear first on the ballot.Why it matters: In the deep blue Denver district, the winner of June&#x27;s Democratic primary is essentially guaranteed to win the seat in November.

Why Pueblo is key to the 2026 election in Colorado

Pueblo becomes the center of the Colorado politiverse as thousands of Democrats and later Republicans descend for state party assemblies.

Starting this weekend, Pueblo becomes the center of the Colorado politiverse as thousands of Democrats, and later Republicans, descend on the southeastern city for state <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="party assemblies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/colorado-caucus-2026-explained" data-vars-content-id="d1a045ac-6c62-4ec0-84ef-fc452e9e6fe8" data-vars-headline="Why Pueblo is key to the 2026 election 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/2026/03/02/colorado-caucus-2026-explained" target="_self">party assemblies</a>.Why it matters: The attention given to the city of 169,000 residents is no accident. Pueblo County is the premier battleground in Colorado, and both parties want to plant their flag with victories in the 2026 midterm elections.<ul><li>For Democrats, it&#x27;s a litmus test for support among working-class white and Latino voters, those who abandoned the party in the 2024 elections.</li><li>For Republicans, it&#x27;s a temperature check on President Trump&#x27;s coalition, the MAGA supporters who twice flipped the traditionally blue county to his side.</li></ul>State of play: The statewide Democratic Party assembly is Saturday, and the GOP&#x27;s happens April 11, at which both parties will select candidates and hone their messages for the 2026 elections to win over disheartened voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Pueblo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbgf_Grr8tg" data-vars-content-id="d1a045ac-6c62-4ec0-84ef-fc452e9e6fe8" data-vars-headline="Why Pueblo is key to the 2026 election in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbgf_Grr8tg" target="_blank">in Pueblo</a> and elsewhere who are struggling to make ends meet amid a statewide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="affordability crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/27/colorado-household-income-growth" data-vars-content-id="d1a045ac-6c62-4ec0-84ef-fc452e9e6fe8" data-vars-headline="Why Pueblo is key to the 2026 election 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/2026/01/27/colorado-household-income-growth" target="_self">affordability crisis</a>.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;It&#x27;s a critical county for us to be able to show which direction the state&#x27;s heading,&quot; Colorado Democratic Party chair Shad Murib said in an interview. &quot;My theory is you can&#x27;t win if you don&#x27;t show up. And so this is us showing up in a big way.&quot;<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Outgoing" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/13/brita-horns-resigns-colorado-gop-chair/" data-vars-content-id="d1a045ac-6c62-4ec0-84ef-fc452e9e6fe8" data-vars-headline="Why Pueblo is key to the 2026 election in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/03/13/brita-horns-resigns-colorado-gop-chair/" target="_blank">Outgoing</a> Republican chair Brita Horn championed Pueblo for the party assembly because it &quot;sends a powerful message [that] we are building a bigger, broader Republican Party that fights for every corner of this great state.&quot;</li></ul>The big picture: Pueblo is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one-time Democratic stronghold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2016/09/30/donald-trump-pueblo-colorado-election/" data-vars-content-id="d1a045ac-6c62-4ec0-84ef-fc452e9e6fe8" data-vars-headline="Why Pueblo is key to the 2026 election in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2016/09/30/donald-trump-pueblo-colorado-election/" target="_blank">one-time Democratic stronghold</a>, thanks mostly to its strong union presence dating to the now-defunct steel mill days.<ul><li>The party still holds a six-point advantage over Republicans in terms of party registration, 28.7% compared to 22.5%, but 46% of voters are now <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unaffiliated" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/17/colorado-registered-voter-unaffiliated-democrat-republican" data-vars-content-id="d1a045ac-6c62-4ec0-84ef-fc452e9e6fe8" data-vars-headline="Why Pueblo is key to the 2026 election 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/2025/09/17/colorado-registered-voter-unaffiliated-democrat-republican" target="_self">unaffiliated</a>.</li></ul>The intrigue: Despite its heritage, Trump <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won Pueblo County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/11/donald-trumps-support-from-blue-collar-colorado-voters-led-to-upset-in-a-democratic-stronghold/" data-vars-content-id="d1a045ac-6c62-4ec0-84ef-fc452e9e6fe8" data-vars-headline="Why Pueblo is key to the 2026 election in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2016/11/11/donald-trumps-support-from-blue-collar-colorado-voters-led-to-upset-in-a-democratic-stronghold/" target="_blank">won Pueblo County</a> in 2016 — the first time for a Republican since Richard Nixon in 1972 — by a fraction, just 390 votes.<ul><li>Former President Biden reclaimed the territory in 2020, winning by 1,520 votes, but Trump won with 51% in 2024.</li></ul>Zoom in: Murib said the party &quot;learned a tough lesson&quot; in 2024 by not addressing the electorate&#x27;s economic concerns. One of his first actions as the party&#x27;s leader included hiring an organizer in Pueblo to help gather support. He is also targeting the 3rd Congressional District, which wraps from the Western Slope into Pueblo.<ul><li>&quot;We&#x27;ve been trying to build infrastructure there that can serve long-term party-building … and make sure that we grow our presence there,&quot; he said.</li></ul>His counterpart, Horn, emphasized the power of door-to-door campaigning in Pueblo with a message about affordability and concerns about crime.<ul><li>&quot;We know we&#x27;re going to have to really have good messaging, and make sure we&#x27;re doing the work … in the trenches,&quot; she said.</li></ul>

Democratic Party caucuses riddled with problems in Colorado

The Democratic Party and its candidates are scrambling to assess the political damage after a chaotic caucus.

The Democratic Party and its candidates are scrambling to assess the political damage after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busted online app and misinformation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cpr.org/2026/03/17/colorado-democrats-caucus-tech-issues/" data-vars-content-id="25c34a9b-825f-4310-a815-e5628d804232" data-vars-headline="Democratic Party caucuses riddled with problems in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cpr.org/2026/03/17/colorado-democrats-caucus-tech-issues/" target="_blank">busted online app and misinformation</a> in recent weeks led to disenfranchised delegates at chaotic caucuses and assemblies.Why it matters: Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="caucus process" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/colorado-caucus-2026-explained" data-vars-content-id="25c34a9b-825f-4310-a815-e5628d804232" data-vars-headline="Democratic Party caucuses riddled with problems 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/2026/03/02/colorado-caucus-2026-explained" target="_self">caucus process</a> can make or break campaigns and serves as an early test of party support that can keep candidates off the primary ballot entirely.

The most effective state lawmaker in Colorado

The ranking is based on data analyzed by the Center for Effective Lawmaking.

Former state Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shannon Bird" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/20/shannon-bird-colorado-8th-congressional-candidate" data-vars-content-id="e385cbe6-37cf-4a24-941c-3f3d567a240c" data-vars-headline="The most effective state lawmaker 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/2025/05/20/shannon-bird-colorado-8th-congressional-candidate" target="_self">Shannon Bird</a> ranked as the most effective state lawmaker in the 2023-24 term, a new report finds.Why it matters: The recognition, based on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://thelawmakers.org/find-representatives&#x27;" data-vars-content-id="e385cbe6-37cf-4a24-941c-3f3d567a240c" data-vars-headline="The most effective state lawmaker in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thelawmakers.org/find-representatives&#x27;" target="_blank">rankings</a> from the independent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Center for Effective Lawmaking" data-vars-click-url="https://thelawmakers.org/" data-vars-content-id="e385cbe6-37cf-4a24-941c-3f3d567a240c" data-vars-headline="The most effective state lawmaker in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thelawmakers.org/" target="_blank">Center for Effective Lawmaking</a>, gives her campaign a boost in the competitive Democratic congressional primary.

A bar chart that shows unfavorable ratings for five Colorado Democratic officials in a March 20-25, 2026, survey of 613 likely voters. Gov. Jared Polis has the highest unfavorable view at 48%, followed by John Hickenlooper at 43% and Michael Bennet at 39%. Phil Weiser is lowest at 23%.

Election 🗳️

Colorado voters sour on Democratic leaders

Two Democratic candidates qualify for secretary of state race

Colorado AG primary remains tight after party assembly

Julie Gonzales qualifies for ballot to challenge to challenge Hickenlooper in U.S. Senate race

Without Bennet, Weiser dominates assembly vote for governor