Chanting "when we fight, we win," Colorado Democrats on Saturday overwhelmingly endorsed a challenger to an incumbent U.S. senator, a former two-term governor.

Why it matters: The progressive faction within the party flexed its influence at the state assembly in Pueblo and delivered a loud and clear message to their leaders: No seat is safe, especially not the status quo.

Driving the news: The nomination of state Sen. Julie Gonzales (D-Denver) to challenge U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Denver) in June's primary election is possibly the starkest example, but not the only one.

• A day earlier, 30-year incumbent U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette narrowly secured a position on the ballot to retain her 1st Congressional District seat in Denver.
• Spurred by progressive activists, the roughly 1,500 delegates voted to change the party platform to include "abolish ICE," replacing softer language that called for "dismantling" the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Zoom out: A number of the candidates and speakers who took the stage embraced the "abolish ICE" mantra and made other left-wing appeals, including pledges to repeal Colorado's Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, tax the rich, protect trans students, ban assault weapons, outlaw private prisons and sue President Trump.

What they're saying: "We can't afford to sit back anymore," Carol Coppola, a 74-year-old delegate and retired teacher from Wheat Ridge, told us. "I think we need a … younger group [of leaders] that has a little moxie."

Reality check: The further left the Democratic Party shifts, the less it may appeal to unaffiliated voters — the majority in Colorado — and the rural Democrats it needs to win elections in Colorado.

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The blueprint of June's primary elections in Colorado came together Saturday for Democrats.

State of play: The Democratic Party gathering nominated candidates in a handful of statewide races. Here's what you missed:

✔️ State Sen. Jeff Bridges won the Democratic nomination for treasurer after two rivals failed to get enough support to make the ballot.

✔️ Two Democratic candidates qualified for the secretary of state race: Jefferson County clerk Amanda Gonzalez and state Sen. Jessie Danielson.

✔️ The Democratic contest for attorney general remains a four-way campaign after two high-profile candidates qualified Saturday.

✔️ Phil Weiser dominated the assembly vote for governor, declared himself the "candidate of Colorado" and labeled his absent rival, Michael Bennet, the "candidate of Washington."

What's next: The Republican Party will meet April 10-11 to pick their candidates for the primary election.

Denver's population dropped by roughly 1,000 people between 2024 and 2025, representing a 0.1% drop in the county's population, new U.S. Census data shows.

By the numbers: Denver's estimated population reached 740,613 last July.

State of play: The drop was driven primarily by people moving outside the city and to other states, while new births and arrivals led to the net loss of roughly 1,000 people, Denverite reports.

• Population growth is slowing in most counties nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, census data shows.

Zoom in: The new data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America's demographic makeup.

Between the lines: International migration fell in nine out of 10 U.S. counties between 2024 and 2025 compared to the prior period, the Census Bureau says.

• Other counties stayed flat.

⚡ Electricity blackouts are possible this summer for Xcel Energy customers as the company faces delays in returning the Comanche 3 coal-fired power plant to the grid. (Colorado Sun)

🍏 An investigation into leadership at Cherry Creek Schools is focused on whether the former superintendent and his wife were influenced by paid travel in granting an education company roughly $3 million in contracts. (Denver Post 🔑)

✊🏽 Workers at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley will extend their strike into a third week, saying the company won't meet with their union to strike a deal. (Denver Post 🔑)

🏒 The University of Denver men's hockey team yesterday defeated Western Michigan, 6-2, to advance to the school's 21st Frozen Four, and will face the University of Michigan on April 9, Esteban reports.

Denver Summit ended their home debut Saturday in a scoreless draw against Washington Spirit, but the eruption of applause from 63,004 people inside Empower Field when the final whistle blew made it feel like a victory.

Why it matters: Saturday's attendance figures shatter the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) record, providing a boisterous welcome for the Mile High City's newest franchise — and marking a major feat for women's sports.

What they're saying: "I'm sad it's over, "defender and captain Janine Sonis said post-game. "I could have never imagined playing at Empower Field in front of that many people."

• "Our fans showed up and showed that women's sports are on the map," goalkeeper Abby Smith added.

State of play: The Summit's forwards couldn't muster enough attack to find the back of the net, resulting in the club's first scoreless game this season.

• Smith didn't allow any goals for the second game in a row.

What's next: The Summit returns to Colorado April 25 to host the San Diego Wave at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.