Ethiopia

Candidates running for Colorado's 1st Congressional District responded to a Denver Post questionnaire covering cost of living, energy policy, congressional oversight of the Trump administration, and immigration. Responses revealed sharp divides: some candidates called for Medicare for All, a moratorium on new fossil fuel leasing on federal lands, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and stronger congressional oversight of executive power, spending, and military actions. Others backed the Trump administration's agenda, supporting expanded oil and gas extraction on public lands, cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal immigration enforcement, and opposition to "sanctuary" policies.

A libertarian-leaning candidate called for auditing the Federal Reserve, ending corporate bailouts, returning land-use decisions to state control, and reclaiming congressional war powers, while criticizing both major parties for enabling executive overreach. A physician-candidate emphasized healthcare affordability, housing supply increases, protection of public lands for recreation and conservation, and a secure border paired with fast-tracked legal status for long-term residents. One candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez met with Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens for an hour-long lunch at the Salt City Market, part of a tour that also included stops in Buffalo and Ithaca. At each stop, she met with local Democratic and Working Families Party members to discuss strategies for re-engaging infrequent voters.

Notably absent from the conversation was any discussion of Ocasio-Cortez's own political future, despite widespread speculation she could run for U.S. Senate or the presidency in 2028. Owens said she appreciated that the congresswoman kept the focus on local and federal issues affecting Syracuse residents, including the Trump administration's deportation enforcement, the Interstate 81 viaduct removal project, and the state's recent withdrawal from project labor agreements. Owens also raised concerns about synthetic drug legislation and the taxation of large tax-exempt property owners like Syracuse University, noting Ocasio-Cortez said similar concerns arose in Ithaca regarding Cornell University. Monday's meeting was the first between the two officials.