politics
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Gov. Jared Polis’ final address draws mixed reaction
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Gov. Jared Polis used his final State of the State address to reflect on seven years of policy changes, blending cultural references and nostalgia, and drawing sharply different reactions from people. Lawmakers both past and present — as well as representatives from state agencies, nonprofit organizations and other guests — listened to Polis speak for…
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Douglas County Sheriff, DA sue Polis administration over immigration policy
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Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly and District Attorney George Brauchler filed a lawsuit against Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, challenging the constitutionality of a state statute on immigration visas. Filed on Wednesday, the suit also named Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Director of Public Safety Stan Hilkey, and Division of Criminal Justice Director Matt Luan as…
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Colorado GOP House leader emphasizes parental rights, affordability woes
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The new Republican leader of the House emphasized worries about affordability, rising political violence, and parental rights in a speech to his colleagues on Wednesday. Rep. Jarvis Caldwell, who was selected to replace former Minority Leader Rose Pugliese following her resignation in the fall, began his speech by saying he was going to do something…
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House Speaker urges colleagues to fight Trump, who ‘would hold Colorado hostage’
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A top Colorado Democrat on Wednesday characterized Colorado as under siege by the Trump administration, as she invoked Winston Churchill and urged colleagues to fight back. “In this moment, when the White House would hold Colorado hostage, I’m reminded of a Churchill saying: ‘You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor,…
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Denver, Aurora and Colorado Springs mayors list competency, AI among priorities for legislative session
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The mayors of Colorado’s three largest cities — representing a combined population of about 1.5 million — are urging state lawmakers to tackle some of their communities’ most pressing challenges in the upcoming legislative session, notably in the areas of crime and regulation. In a letter to Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado General Assembly,…
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Following scandals and accusations of toxicity, Colorado House leaders seek a reset in 2026
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The 2025 legislative session saw its fair share of scandals — from accusations of misusing campaign finances, claims of online bullying, and the resignation of the House’s top Republican due to “toxicity” — and it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will behave themselves this year. Regardless, leaders said they are committed to fostering a…
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As lawmakers return, federal pressure and fiscal stress poised to shape Colorado’s 2026 session
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The eight months since lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session have been anything but quiet. Federal funding cuts, a flurry of presidential executive orders, an election year fast approaching — not to mention a projected $1.2 billion budget shortfall — are all converging as policymakers prepare to return to the Capitol for the 2026…
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Senate Democrats announce committee assignments for 2026 session
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Democratic Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, D-Denver, announced committee assignments for the 2026 legislative session on Wednesday. “Committees are crucial to the legislative process – they’re where we deliberate, hear from the public, and fine-tune policies so that they can have the best impact for Coloradans,” said Rodriguez. “I’m excited to announce committee assignments for the 2026…
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Governor, legislators, advocates seek changes after cases expose gaps in Colorado’s competency system
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After a series of high-profile crimes throughout the state last spring and summer exposed gaps in Colorado’s legal system for individuals declared incompetent to stand trial, lawmakers and an advocacy organization are pushing for changes this year. Extensive media coverage of cases such as Solomon Galligan’s — a convicted sex offender arrested last year for…
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Urban vs. rural, labor vs. business: Battles are brewing ahead of the 2026 Colorado legislative session
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Grab your popcorn — it’s going to be an interesting 2026 legislative session in Colorado. There’s not much you can count on these days, but if you’ve been around the state Capitol long enough, you’ve probably seen your fair share of disagreements, both friendly and unfriendly — and you can be sure you’ll see even…
