One candidate blamed the “system” for their loss, framing it in terms of a “class struggle.” 

One graciously accepted defeat.

Another congratulated her opponent, assuring her constituents that, despite her loss, the office is in good hands.

Many pointed to outside spending as a culprit, arguing that independent expenditures tilted the election in their rivals’ favor.

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Here are some of reactions of the candidates who lost on Tuesday’s primary election night.      

• Kyra deGruy Kennedy, who lost to Rebekah Stewart in House District 30

“Although losing is a bummer, what I’m feeling this morning is deep gratitude. Gratitude for this community — the hundreds of folks who came out to knock doors or endorsed my campaign, the thousands of donations we got from real people, the hard work from my team, and the fight to build a politics worthy of the human spirit. Being outspent 7:1 was always going to be a tough thing to overcome so I’m not surprised at the outcome, but you better believe my work won’t stop. Thank you!

• Julia Marvin, who lost to Jacque Phillips in House District 31

“I have consistently advocated for our community whenever the opportunity arose. Serving House District 31 has been a privilege. Last night’s loss is heartbreaking, given the impactful work I’ve done for hardworking families in HD31 as a state representative. Despite facing significant financial opposition against my grassroots campaign, I am disheartened today. Nevertheless, tomorrow I will persist in supporting my community and neighbors. Grateful for the overwhelming support received, I extend my thanks to my husband, family, friends and campaign team for their unwavering dedication by my side.”

• Charles Johnson, who lost to Elliott Hood in the race for University of Colorado at-large regent  

“We poured our hearts into this campaign for CU Regent At -Large and although we fell short, the journey was unforgettable. My deepest gratitude goes to everyone for your unwavering support. My loved ones, my family, especially my fiancée Lisa, my dedicated campaign team at Upstream, and the hundreds of volunteers and supporters who gave their time and treasure to this campaign. Thank you for your belief in me and my vision for CU and the University of Colorado system. There is a lot at stake in the upcoming November elections. We must remain vigilant and active by engaging in the voting process to safeguard our democracy. Better together!”

• Tim Hernandez, who lost to Cecelia Espenoza in House District 4

“We have no illusions about what we’re up against, and it’s far bigger than one opponent in one political race. It’s a system that will spend whatever it has to, do whatever it has to, to maintain a vice grip over the resources that should rightfully be shared for the benefit of all. It’s not our opponents, but those who stand behind those opponents, who want to ensure we never have healthcare for all, housing for all, justice for all, liberation for all. Remember: They wouldn’t have to spend a dime if our ideas weren’t popular. But it’s called a struggle for a reason. Confronting these systems, this much money — it can’t be anything else. Struggles are hard. They are painful. They have real costs and require real sacrifices. But for those like us who long for change, we know we must struggle against them with with everything we have. Struggle is the only thing that has ever changed this country. These systems will not change because we want them to, ask them to, or because it’s the moral thing to do. They have only ever changed, and will only change, because we come together and we struggle.” 

• Bryan Lindstrom, who lost to Michael Carter in House District 36 

“We did not win at the ballot box; however, everyone should be proud of their role in this campaign. Because of your support we knocked on over 20,000 doors, and spoke with 2,500 of our neighbors. This work was made possible by our 60 plus staff and volunteers, over 800 individual donors, and the many unions and advocacy organization that backed our campaign. I am proud to have been the candidate backed by Working People and will continue to organize and fight for a better world with all of you moving forward. One of my favorite quotes is ‘the system perfectly produces the results it’s designed to produce.’ This campaign was never about my opponent, it was always about challenging a system that is not designed to benefit the working class. Winning these fights is difficult because all of history is the history of class struggle. But those of you who donated, volunteered, organized and showed up however you could, you dared to struggle. And as Fred Hampton said, ‘If you dare to struggle, you dare to win. If you dare not struggle, then damnit, you don’t deserve to win.’ So we continue together, in solidarity.”

•Obi Ezeadi, who lost to Lindsey Daugherty in Senate District 19 

“Our setbacks are merely setups for our comebacks. On June 25, 2024, I lost my year-long campaign for State Senate District 19. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to my opponent for their victory. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the over 150 volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to our campaign. Our hearts held hands before we could, and together, we achieved remarkable milestones: we ranked #4 statewide in fundraising and number of donations across all races, knocked on over 21,000 doors, wrote over 18,000 postcards, and secured a 60% win at the Democratic County assembly. Despite the invasion of over $515,000 of dark money and disgusting negative mailers that shifted the likely election outcome, we have much to be proud of and even more to look forward to.”

• Leora Joseph, who lost to John Walsh in the race for Denver’s district attorney 

“When I began this campaign, I was overcome by two emotions: gratitude and inspiration. Inspired by the great people of Denver and grateful for the incredible support from so many of you. I remain inspired by all of you and so grateful. DA Walsh will lead with integrity and Denver will be better for it. I am excited to support him and all our great leaders as we all work to repair the world.”