Colorado Democrats seize historic legislative control
The party secured more than two-thirds of seats in both chambers, enabling them to override vetoes and amend the state constitution without Republican support.
By Madison Darwish ·
Colorado voters delivered a decisive shift in state power on Friday. Democrats achieved supermajorities in both the House and Senate for the first time in state history. The results exceed the party's most optimistic internal projections.
The Democratic Party flipped four legislative seats to reach the necessary threshold. This outcome occurred despite Republican groups spending significantly more than Democrats in state legislative races. A ballot measure increasing public school funding also passed, adding to the day's gains.
With control of more than two-thirds of the seats, Democrats can now override vetoes from the next governor. They can also place constitutional amendments on the ballot without securing a single Republican vote. The next governor will be Phil Weiser, the current state Attorney General and a Democrat.
Weiser stated he believes the new configuration allows for a culture that gathers the best ideas. The shift may reduce his influence over the General Assembly. Lawmakers must now address policy issues previously delayed by the threat of a veto from Governor Jared Polis.
Sen. Dylan Roberts of Frisco was elected majority leader by his peers on Thursday. He promised to mend the divide between progressive and moderate Democrats. The House will elect its leaders on November 6.
Republicans lost key seats across the state. In Senate District 3, Aaron Gutierrez defeated Dana Charles. Gutierrez received 54% of the vote compared to Charles's 46%. Republican groups spent nearly $5 million on Charles, while Democrats spent about $2 million on Gutierrez.
In Senate District 30, Kevin Leung unseated Republican John Carson in Highlands Ranch. Leung received 52.4% of the vote. Republican groups spent $4.3 million on Carson, whereas Democrats spent $181,000 on Leung. Janice Marchman retained her Senate District 15 seat with 58% of the vote against challenger Rob Woodward.
House races also swung blue in several districts. Jeff Livingston leads in House District 15 in Colorado Springs with 48.8% of the vote. Stephanie Vigil reclaimed House District 16 with 57.3% of the vote. Jillaire McMillan defeated incumbent Dan Woog in House District 19 in Erie with 59% of the vote. These results mark a major retreat for the Republican Party in the state legislature.
