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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.

Colorado election denier Tina Peters to be freed from prison

The decision means Peters will be eligible for parole on June 1.

Politics & Policy

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Friday announced he&#x27;s cutting disgraced election denier and former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mesa County clerk Tina Peters&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/15/tina-peters-colorado-trump-election-2020-appeal" data-vars-content-id="64dd12ac-8b89-4116-80fb-2e6891296f21" data-vars-headline="Colorado election denier Tina Peters to be freed from prison" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/15/tina-peters-colorado-trump-election-2020-appeal" target="_self">Mesa County clerk Tina Peters&#x27;</a> sentence by half, making her eligible for release next month. Why it matters: The move comes after repeated calls from the Trump administration for Peters to be freed.

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 launches new e-bike rebates

News

Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="e-bike rebates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/02/27/what-to-know-new-e-bike-rebate-rules" data-vars-content-id="7664a5ad-9d55-4552-b286-858ba453cf19" data-vars-headline="Denver launches new e-bike rebates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/02/27/what-to-know-new-e-bike-rebate-rules" target="_self">e-bike rebates</a> return next week.State of play:<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Applications open online" data-vars-click-url="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-and-Resiliency/Cutting-Denvers-Carbon-Pollution/Sustainable-Transportation/Electric-Bike-Rebates" data-vars-content-id="7664a5ad-9d55-4552-b286-858ba453cf19" data-vars-headline="Denver launches new e-bike rebates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-and-Resiliency/Cutting-Denvers-Carbon-Pollution/Sustainable-Transportation/Electric-Bike-Rebates" target="_blank"> Applications open online</a> at 11am May 19 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Colorado Democratic Party censures Gov. Jared Polis

The rare rebuke targets his clemency for Tina Peters.

In a staggering rebuke, the Colorado Democratic Party&#x27;s governing board voted Wednesday evening to censure <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Jared Polis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/18/colorado-jared-polis-faces-impeachment-tina-peters-clemency" data-vars-content-id="28abafe2-bc61-4736-ac99-a9759d9af6f2" data-vars-headline="Colorado Democratic Party censures Gov. Jared Polis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/18/colorado-jared-polis-faces-impeachment-tina-peters-clemency" target="_self">Gov. Jared Polis</a> for granting election denier <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tina Peters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/15/polis-tina-peters-sentence-clemency" data-vars-content-id="28abafe2-bc61-4736-ac99-a9759d9af6f2" data-vars-headline="Colorado Democratic Party censures Gov. Jared Polis" 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">Tina Peters</a> clemency.Why it matters: The sanction — unmatched in recent history — could stain Polis&#x27; legacy and overshadow his victories in his eight years in the job.

Colorado voters to decide on TABOR refunds or more school funding

Before they adjourned, Colorado lawmakers left voters some homework: a ballot measure.

Before they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adjourned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/14/2026-legislative-session-colorado-adjournment" data-vars-content-id="88c956f6-1141-4589-9daa-d1003fde0acb" data-vars-headline="Colorado voters to decide on TABOR refunds or more school funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/14/2026-legislative-session-colorado-adjournment" target="_self">adjourned</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/14/bills-legislation-passed-colorado-legislature-adjourn" data-vars-content-id="88c956f6-1141-4589-9daa-d1003fde0acb" data-vars-headline="Colorado voters to decide on TABOR refunds or more school funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/14/bills-legislation-passed-colorado-legislature-adjourn" target="_self">Colorado lawmakers</a> left voters some homework: a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot measure" data-vars-click-url="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-135" data-vars-content-id="88c956f6-1141-4589-9daa-d1003fde0acb" data-vars-headline="Colorado voters to decide on TABOR refunds or more school funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-135" target="_blank">ballot measure</a> asking permission to trade tax refunds for more K-12 funding.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-135" data-vars-content-id="88c956f6-1141-4589-9daa-d1003fde0acb" data-vars-headline="Colorado voters to decide on TABOR refunds or more school funding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-135" target="_blank">The referendum</a> tees up one of Colorado&#x27;s biggest tax-and-spending fights in years, touching the third rail in state politics: the Taxpayer&#x27;s Bill of Rights.

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.

How Colorado Gov. Jared Polis shaped his final legislative session

Now that lawmakers have gone home, Polis steps into the spotlight as he considers dozens of bills delivered to his desk.

Before a single vote this legislative session, Gov. Jared Polis used his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of the State speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/15/jared-polis-state-of-the-state-final-speech-2026" data-vars-content-id="ac8ca35b-d784-450e-a156-d96e19b6c4d4" data-vars-headline="How Colorado Gov. Jared Polis shaped his final legislative session" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/15/jared-polis-state-of-the-state-final-speech-2026" target="_self">State of the State speech</a> to draw a red line: Focus on issues where we agree, or face a veto.Why it matters: Now that lawmakers have gone home, Polis steps into the spotlight as he considers dozens of bills delivered to his desk.

3 themes that defined the 2026 legislative session in Colorado

Lawmakers adjourned Wednesday with a sigh of exhaustion after a grueling 120-day session.

Colorado lawmakers adjourned Wednesday with a sigh of exhaustion after a grueling 120-day session marked by constant obstacles and setbacks.Why it matters: The hardships limited the Democratic majority&#x27;s ambitious agenda and left behind a long list of compromises and unresolved fights.

What passed — and what didn't — as the Colorado Legislature adjourns

The legislative session ended in a burst of lawmaking.

The legislative session ended in a burst of lawmaking, as dozens of bills crossed the finish line and others died in the final days.Here&#x27;s a look at where the dust settled.

Colorado lawmakers send new AI bill to the governor

The Legislature approved the final measure with little pomp after a final vote in the Senate at 1:30am Tuesday.

An 11th-hour rewrite of the state&#x27;s controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artificial intelligence law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/03/colorado-ai-artificial-intellligence-legislation" data-vars-content-id="500e2ef7-9475-4f62-b568-23daede62100" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers send new AI bill to the governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/03/colorado-ai-artificial-intellligence-legislation" target="_self">artificial intelligence law</a> is headed to the governor&#x27;s desk.Why it matters: Colorado was poised to become the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="country&#x27;s toughest AI cop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/08/06/colorado-ai-bill-national-model" data-vars-content-id="500e2ef7-9475-4f62-b568-23daede62100" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers send new AI bill to the governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/08/06/colorado-ai-bill-national-model" target="_self">country&#x27;s toughest AI cop</a>, but the new bill weakens the repeals the original 2024 law before it ever took effect.

Colorado lawmakers kill bid to regulate data center industry

The bill's failure leaves Colorado without new guardrails on one of the fastest-growing industries tied to the AI boom.

Colorado lawmakers jettisoned a high-profile effort to rein in data centers, shelving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dueling bills" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/colorados-data-center-divide-tax-breaks-vs-tough-rules" data-vars-content-id="b40109b4-c0e6-4e11-ac3c-9267d4a19b23" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers kill bid to regulate data center industry" 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/colorados-data-center-divide-tax-breaks-vs-tough-rules" target="_self">dueling bills</a> in a debate that exposed deep tensions over artificial intelligence, climate goals and economic development.Why it matters: The legislation&#x27;s collapse leaves Colorado without new guardrails on one of the fastest-growing — and most power-intensive — industries tied to the AI boom.

Politics 🇺🇸

Colorado Democratic Party censures Gov. Jared Polis

Polis has no regrets about Tina Peters decision

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

Colorado voters to decide on TABOR refunds or more school funding

Colorado election denier Tina Peters to be freed from prison