Ballots are due June 30, and the decisions voters make in the primary will shape the choices available in November.
Primary elections determine who appears on the general election ballot, and in Colorado, unaffiliated voters play an increasingly influential role in those decisions. More than half of Colorado voters are registered unaffiliated and may participate in either party’s primary.
Yet participation remains low. In 2024, only about 26% of Colorado voters participated in the primary election, including 27.8% in La Plata County.
Over the past several weeks, the Herald Editorial Board interviewed candidates, published guest columns and developed recommendations based on candidates’ qualifications, experience and approaches to governing. Here is a summary of those recommendations.
United States Senate
Democratic Primary: John Hickenlooper over Julie Gonzales.
Gonzales has built an impressive legislative record and represents a rising generation of Colorado leadership. Hickenlooper, however, brings experience as a former Denver mayor, governor and U.S. senator. His record on public lands, water policy, tribal partnerships and bipartisan problem-solving made him the stronger choice.
Republican Primary: Mark Baisley is unopposed.
Representative to the 120th U.S. Congress – District 3
Democratic Primary: Dwayne Romero over Alex Kelloff.
Both candidates focused on issues important to rural Colorado, including affordability, healthcare, water and economic development. Romero’s experience in state government, local elected office, business and military service gives him a stronger foundation for representing the diverse needs of rural Colorado and serving effectively in Congress.
Republican Primary: Jeff Hurd over Ron Hanks.
While we encouraged Hurd to continue demonstrating independence on issues such as public lands and voter participation, we concluded he offers a broader and more inclusive vision than Hanks, whose campaign has been closely aligned with efforts to restrict participation by unaffiliated voters in Colorado's primary elections.
Governor
Democratic Primary: Phil Weiser over Michael Bennet.
Both candidates are accomplished public servants. Bennet’s record in the U.S. Senate is substantial, but Weiser’s eight years as attorney general, relationships across all 64 counties and deep familiarity with Colorado government gave him the edge.
Republican Primary: Barbara Kirkmeyer over Scott Bottoms and Victor Marx.
Kirkmeyer distinguished herself through decades of governing experience, including more than 20 years as a Weld County commissioner and service in the state Senate. While Bottoms and Marx offered sharply different visions, Kirkmeyer demonstrated the strongest record of public administration, bipartisan problem-solving and practical governance. As we noted, running government is different from campaigning against it.
Secretary of State
Democratic Primary: Jessie Danielson over Amanda Gonzalez.
Both candidates are well qualified and have strong records defending Colorado’s election system. Danielson’s rural roots, legislative experience and leadership on voting access issues gave her a slight advantage.
Republican Primary: James Wiley is unopposed.
Attorney General
Democratic Primary: Michael Dougherty over Jena Griswold, David Seligman and Hetal Doshi.
Dougherty’s nearly three decades as a prosecutor, service as deputy attorney general and leadership in some of Colorado’s most significant criminal cases make him uniquely qualified for the state’s top legal position.
Republican Primary: Michael Allen over David Wilson.
Both bring military and legal experience, but Allen’s leadership as district attorney for El Paso and Teller counties and his record managing major criminal prosecutions made him the stronger choice.
Primary elections offer voters something increasingly rare in modern politics: an opportunity to compare candidates who often share broad values but differ significantly in experience, priorities and governing philosophies.
The choices made on June 30 will shape Colorado’s choices in November. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or one of the many unaffiliated voters who now help decide primary outcomes, the most important step is simple: participate.
The future of Colorado is not shaped only in November. It is being shaped right now.
Editor’s note: Herald editorials reflect the views of the Editorial Board, independent of news reporting. Opinion content – including editorials, columns and letters to the editor – is intended to encourage thoughtful discussion of public issues and candidates. While opinions may differ, the Herald strives to ensure that all content is grounded in facts, context and informed analysis.
