2026 Colorado Primary Elections: Key Races and Candidates to Watch
Colorado voters are gearing up for the 2026 primary elections, with various statewide and federal races drawing attention. The state has not elected a Republican to statewide office in a decade, making the primaries crucial for Republicans to field a strong top-of-the-ticket candidate. The Democratic primary in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District is a key race to watch, with incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette facing a challenge from socialist Melat Kiros. In the Senate race, incumbent Sen. John Hickenlooper is up against former socialist State Sen. Julie Gonzales in the Democratic primary. The race to replace term-limited Gov. Jared Polis has attracted two Democratic candidates and three Republicans vying for the governorship.
In the 1st Congressional District, DeGette and Kiros represent different factions within the Democratic Party, with DeGette being seen as more centrist compared to Kiros, who has garnered support from the leftist wing of the party. The Senate race between Hickenlooper and Gonzales has seen Hickenlooper maintaining a lead in polling, but Gonzales has been narrowing the gap. The gubernatorial race features three Republican candidates, with Victor Marx leading in the polls, while the Democratic primary focuses on candidates who can best fight the Trump administration.
The only U.S. House race considered a toss-up in Colorado is in the 8th District, where incumbent GOP Rep. Evans faces a challenge from two Democratic candidates. The outcome of the Democratic primary will determine the party's competitiveness in the general election. Colorado voters will also decide on key statewide races, including the secretary of state and attorney general positions. The secretary of state race has gained attention following election interference efforts, while the attorney general race features multiple Democratic and Republican candidates vying for the position.