Tuesday's Primary Election in Colorado Could Be a Turning Point

Colorado is holding a primary election on Tuesday, and political experts say it could be one of the most important in years. A primary is an election where voters in each party choose who will represent them in the bigger election later. Both the Democratic and Republican parties are dealing with big disagreements inside their own groups. Analysts say the results could shape what each party looks like going forward.

Two well-known political analysts, Republican Dick Wadhams and Democrat Mike Dino, have nearly 100 combined years of experience watching Colorado politics. They both agree that 2026 is a year when voters are pushing back against the usual way things are done. Many people across the country are unhappy with both major parties. A recent CBS News poll found that about six out of ten registered voters have a negative view of both the Democratic and Republican parties, and more than 70% of independent voters feel the same way.

This unhappiness is giving a boost to 'outsider' candidates — people who challenge the leaders already in power. On the Democratic side, a group called democratic socialists want the party to move further to the left on issues like workers' rights and social programs. On the Republican side, candidates who strongly support former President Donald Trump are pushing for the party to follow his agenda more closely. Both groups are trying to take control of their parties through primary elections.

One of the most-watched races in Colorado is in Denver's 1st Congressional District. Representative Diana DeGette has held that seat for about 30 years, but she is now facing two challengers. The toughest challenge comes from attorney Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist who has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders. Analyst Mike Dino says many younger voters are looking for new leaders with new ideas, and that is driving more of them to get involved in politics.

Dino also says that opposition to President Trump is a major force pushing Democratic voters to the polls. He says Trump is actually helping to define what the Democratic Party stands for right now, because Democrats are united in wanting to stop his agenda. 'People are looking for angry candidates who match their anger,' Dino said. That means Democratic voters want candidates who will fight hard against Trump's policies.

On the Republican side, the race for governor is getting a lot of attention. Three candidates are running: state Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, and two ministers named Victor Marx and Scott Bottoms. Wadhams strongly supports Kirkmeyer because she has focused her campaign on making Colorado more affordable and safer. He worries that Marx and Bottoms hold extreme views that would make the Republican Party look bad to most voters.

Both Wadhams and Dino think Kirkmeyer will likely win the Republican primary. But they disagree about her chances in the general election in November. Wadhams believes she will come out of the primary with energy and momentum because people underestimated her. Dino, however, thinks Democrats will win big across Colorado no matter who Republicans put on the ballot.

Another important race is the Democratic primary for attorney general, which is the state's top law enforcement job. Three experienced lawyers are running: Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty, former federal prosecutor Hetal Doshi, and workers' rights attorney David Seligman. However, former Secretary of State Jena Griswold is seen as the frontrunner mostly because voters already know her name, even though she has less courtroom experience than the others. Dino warns that if Griswold wins, many talented lawyers may leave the attorney general's office.

In the 8th Congressional District, which is considered a swing district — meaning it could go to either party — two Democrats are competing for the chance to face Republican incumbent Rep. Gabe Evans in November. The Democratic candidates are state Rep. Manny Rutinel and Shannon Bird. Swing districts like this one are very important because they often decide which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives. Political experts are watching this race closely.

Finally, incumbent Senator John Hickenlooper is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. He faces a challenge from progressive state Senator Julie Gonzales. Experts say this race will show whether a very left-leaning candidate can win support from voters across the whole state of Colorado. The results of all these races on Tuesday will give both parties a clearer picture of where Colorado voters stand heading into November.