What to know about the Colorado primary elections in the US
The western state is the latest to see fierce contests between the Democratic Party’s progressive and centrist wings. Voters in the western US state of
The western state is the latest to see fierce contests between the Democratic Party’s progressive and centrist wings. Voters in the western US state of Colorado will head to the polls this week in a round of primary elections that could influence the direction of the upcoming midterms in November. Primary elections involve voters choosing which candidate will represent their respective political parties in general elections and can offer insights into the issues and ideas motivating voters. The Colorado primaries include several high-profile races being watched for their national significance, including the contest to replace outgoing Democratic Governor Jared Polis and elections for US Senate and House of Representatives seats. Which races are being watched, when will the election take place, and what can we expect to see? We answer those questions and more in this brief explainer. When is the election? The election will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. When do polls open and close? Polls open at 7am (13:00 GMT) and close at 7pm local time (01:00 GMT on July 1). Which races are being watched? Colorado’s Democratic gubernatorial primary has drawn several high-profile officials, including one of the state’s two current US senators. The winner of the contest will replace outgoing Governor Polis, who is limited to one term. Republican voters will also select their gubernatorial candidate for the general election in November. Contested primary races are also being held for the US Senate, House of Representatives, and state positions, such as secretary of state and attorney general.
At the centre of the Democratic gubernatorial primary are two familiar figures in the world of Colorado politics: US Senator Michael Bennet and state Attorney General Phil Weiser. Bennet, who has represented Colorado in the US Senate since 2009 and briefly ran for president in 2019, would have to vacate his seat if he wins the Democratic primary and defeats the Republican candidate in November. He has said that he would hold his seat until his term as governor begins and select an interim replacement himself, rather than allowing Polis to do so. Bennet’s current Senate seat will be on the ballot in 2028. While Bennet has been a well-known figure in Colorado politics for more than a decade, he is facing a strong, progressive challenger in Weiser, who has criticised his alignment with the Democratic Party’s establishment wing and corporate interests. If Bennet loses the primary, he will complete his current Senate term. Several Republican candidates are also competing to represent their party in the race for governor, including state Representative Scott Bottoms, state Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, and pastor and military veteran Victor Marx. First-term Democratic US Senator John Hickenlooper is facing a primary challenge from community organiser and state Senator Julie Gonzales, a progressive who has criticised Hickenlooper’s positions from the left on issues such as corporate power and Israel and Palestine. The winner of that race will face-off against Republican state Senator Mark Baisley, who is the sole candidate in his party’s primary.
The BriefWire