Colorado voters face a record-breaking expensive election cycle

Colorado is on track to see some of the most expensive elections in the country this November. Total spending for the 2026 midterms is projected to reach nearly $12 billion, according to OpenSecrets. A large portion of that money is flowing into three competitive congressional districts in the state.

The 8th Congressional District has been a political battleground since its creation in 2021. Incumbent Republican Gabe Evans has raised $7.13 million to defend his seat. Democratic challenger Manny Rutinel has collected $9.33 million. Seven other candidates raised a combined $3.24 million, largely during the Democratic primary. The race has contributed over $19.7 million in total contributions and ranks as the eighth most expensive House election in the nation.

In the eastern district, Democrat Eileen Laubacher is challenging incumbent Lauren Boebert. Boebert moved to this seat in 2024 after leaving the 3rd Congressional District. Laubacher has raised $13.61 million, while Boebert has raised $1.22 million. The 2nd District is also seeing high activity. Republican Jeff Crank, who represents the El Paso County district, has raised $2.86 million. His Democratic opponent, Jessica Killin, has raised $5.55 million. The Cook Political Report designates this race as the only toss-up in Colorado.

Voters will also decide on several high-profile ballot measures. Proposition NN, the only legislative measure on this year's ballot, seeks to raise K-12 education funding by 2% annually for ten years. This change would increase state education spending by approximately $4.6 billion. Support committees have raised over $8.54 million for the measure, while opposition groups have raised nearly $3.81 million.

A separate income tax measure is also on the ballot. It proposes a graduated tax rate that increases taxes on individuals and businesses earning over $500,000 annually. The measure survived multiple legal challenges, including one before the Colorado Supreme Court. Opposition committees have raised nearly $6.91 million against it. Support committees have raised $2.53 million.

Amendment 84 is the final major financial driver on the ballot. The measure requires voters to verify their identity on mail ballots by writing the last four digits of their Social Security number or state ID. Local conservative politicians filed the measure, but out-of-state groups are providing financial support. Support committees have raised $6.6 million. Opposition committees have raised nearly $1.07 million.

The 2026 ballot contains the second-most citizen initiatives in state history. Candidates and issue committees are spending heavily to sway voters in these tight contests. The final vote will determine the outcome of these expensive races and the state's fiscal future.