Elections
Colorado’s 2026 midterms shape up as a Democratic-leaning cycle
PN Team • 2 weeks ago
Colorado, once a reliable Republican state, has leaned decidedly Democratic in recent cycles, and 2026 looks similar. Gov. Phil Weiser and Sen. John Hickenlooper are favored for easy wins over underfunded Republican opponents Victor Marx and Mark Baisley, with some GOP figures, including former Rep. Ken Buck, crossing over to back Weiser. The closest races are in the U.S. House: Democrat Manny Rutinel is seen as favored over Republican incumbent Gabe Evans in District 8, while Republican incumbent Jeff Crank is expected to hold District 5 against well-funded Democrat Jessica Killin despite backlash over the Space Command relocation. Analysts attribute the overall Democratic advantage to anti-Trump sentiment and weak Republican statewide recruitment.
Sources:
Sentiment
- John Hickenlooper Hickenlooper is portrayed as favored for an easy win in his Senate race.
- Phil Weiser Weiser is favored for an easy gubernatorial win, a positive reflection of his political standing.
- Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is portrayed as favored to win across most races, reflecting a positive electoral outlook.
- Republican Party (United States) Republicans are described as underfunded and facing weak recruitment, suggesting a negative electoral outlook despite holding one district.
- Donald Trump Anti-Trump sentiment is cited as a factor boosting Democrats, implying a negative association for Trump's political standing.
- Colorado Colorado is discussed neutrally as the political landscape shifting toward Democrats.
- United States House of Representatives The U.S. House is mentioned factually as the chamber where the closest races occur.
- United States Senate The U.S. Senate is referenced factually regarding Hickenlooper's race.