With Election Day barely a week away to close out a contentious campaign season, Colorado voters will soon make their choices for state office. Republicans may have an opportunity to disrupt Colorado’s Democratic monopoly in state government. The issues top of mind for Colorado voters this election year are inflation and the economy, gun violence, affordable housing and homelessness.
This year, Republicans have enjoyed a competitive field with an eye on retaking the Senate and breaking up the Democratic trifecta ruling both houses and the governor’s office. They only need to pick up four seats to do so. In the House, redrawn districts have played somewhat in the GOP’s favor—likely not enough to take control of the chamber but enough to close the gap.
Over the weekend, House Republican Minority Leader Hugh McKean tragically passed away. His constructive lawmaking approach and statesmanship were praised by GOP colleagues and Democrats alike. As for who will lead the House GOP caucus, the Republicans are planning to select leadership two days after the election.
Republicans are less likely to dismantle the Democratic triplex in the governor’s, attorney general’s and secretary of state’s offices. As far as the gubernatorial race goes, incumbent Gov. Jared Polis leads his Republican opponent, Heidi Ganahl, by double-digit points. The same is true for current Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who looks likely to keep her seat over GOP challenger Pam Anderson with a current 10-point lead in the polls. The same poll showed incumbent Attorney General Phil Weiser leading opponent John Kellner by 7 points, although an earlier poll from late August showed the race in a dead heat.
Click here for a breakdown of the competitive races in the state House and Senate.
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