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🏈 Situational awareness: The Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 26–21 yesterday, notching their fifth straight victory to keep Denver atop the AFC West standings at 7–2, Esteban reports.

Today’s newsletter is 948 words — a 3.5-minute read.

Colorado Latino voters helped power last Tuesday's Republican wipeout — sending a warning to candidates in both parties: Ignore them at your own peril.

Why it matters: Latino voters helped Democrats flip a key congressional seat and gain ground in Republican strongholds.

Yes, but: It doesn't mean Latinos are loyal to a single party.

• They're more motivated by issues, the 2026 Colorado Latino Exit Poll from the Colorado Latino Agenda revealed.

Context: Latino voters favored Democrats over Republicans 67% to 31% in congressional races.

• A majority (56%) said Democrats were better equipped to tackle their top concerns, like the cost of living, wages, housing affordability and health care costs.
• Seven in 10 cited immigration as a top reason for voting. Pollster Gabe Sanchez said many likely know someone who fears deportation.

Zoom in: Democratic Rep.-elect Manny Rutinel, who flipped the 8th District, called Latino voters "decisive" during a press conference last Wednesday.

• Rutinel, who's Dominican American, said his campaign reached voters at churches and quinceañeras: "We made sure that they knew that they had an important voice."

Latino support for Democrats in the 8th District — home to Colorado's largest share of Latino voters — jumped 11 percentage points from 2024, the survey showed.

Caveat: The poll also drew attention to what Latinos say is a lack of outreach from candidates, political parties and campaigns.

Zoom out: Stronger Latino support for Democrats across Colorado, including in traditionally Republican territory, is "a big" reason why Democrats were close to a clean sweep of Congress, Sanchez said.

Full story

Democrats dominated the midterms, but conservatives found a winning issue even in blue states: restricting transgender rights.

Why it matters: The victories carry significant consequences for transgender youth and illuminate a possible path for out-of-power conservatives in Democratic-led states.

State of play: Voters in four states approved measures restricting transgender students from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity.

• In Colorado, 52% of voters supported Proposition 134, requiring K-12 schools and college athletic teams to be designated male, female or coed and generally tying eligibility to sex designated at birth rather than gender identity.
• Colorado voters also approved Proposition 135, banning certain gender-affirming surgeries for minors. Such procedures are rare among people younger than age 18.

The big picture: More than half of states restrict transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.

What we're watching: Gov.-elect Phil Weiser told reporters, "We're going to have to take a look at these anti-trans measures and what adjustments are necessary and appropriate."

Go deeper

State Rep. Jennifer Bacon (D-Denver) won her colleagues' backing Friday to become the next Colorado House speaker, making history as the first Black woman to lead the chamber.

Why it matters: The progressive lawmaker will take the reins of a newly expanded Democratic supermajority, giving her power to shape the party's legislative agenda.

Driving the news: Bacon, the assistant majority leader, defeated state Rep. Andrew Boesenecker (D-Fort Collins).

• She'll be the second consecutive woman to hold the powerful post.

What she's saying: Bacon told colleagues that voters sent a decisive message in the midterm election, electing 49 Democrats to the 65-member House.

• "You want change. You don't want the status quo, or predetermined outcomes, or heirs apparent," Bacon said. "You want people to meet the moment. You want leaders who stand for what's right and who won't waver."

Between the lines: Bacon, who represents Denver's Green Valley Ranch and Montbello neighborhoods, is supported by progressive groups like the Denver Democratic Socialists of America and the Working Families Party, which endorsed her reelection bid.

🐘 The other side: House Republicans reelected state Rep. Jarvis Caldwell of Colorado Springs as minority leader. Just 16 Republicans remain in the chamber after the state's blue tsunami.

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🕊️ The Lakewood officer fatally shot last week was identified as Nic Graham, a seven-year department veteran. The shooting remains under investigation, Esteban reports.

🐺 The Trump administration is reviewing Colorado's wolf reintroduction program, focusing on compensation for livestock losses and other problems identified by ranchers. (Colorado Sun)

🗳️ Colorado voters have spoken. The results are in on all statewide ballot measures. Here's what passed and failed, Alayna reports.

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• The number of congressional districts in Colorado that Democrats are poised to control

State of play: Entering Election Day, the state's congressional delegation was evenly split: four Democrats and four Republicans

What happened: Democrats ousted GOP incumbents Jeff Crank in El Paso County's 5th District and Gabe Evans in the 8th District.

What we're watching: The party also holds a roughly 1% lead in the 4th District race against Republican incumbent Lauren Boebert.

The intrigue: Colorado's only Republican U.S. House member expected to return to Washington is Jeff Hurd in the 3rd District, which covers the Western Slope and southern Colorado.

🏋️‍♀️ John is starting ski season workouts on Peloton.

🎵 Alayna is listening to Sylvie's new album. It's groovy.

🇬🇷 Esteban recommends the tiramisu from Omonoia Bakery.

Thanks to our editor, Gigi Sukin.