Full Primary Results Summary
STATE IMPACT
Source: Colorado Secretary of State · AP News
Democratic gubernatorial primary: Phil Weiser (incumbent Attorney General) defeated Michael Bennet (incumbent U.S. Senator). Republican gubernatorial winner: to be confirmed from final results. U.S. House District 1 (Denver): Melat Kiros defeated 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette; Republican winner pending. U.S. House District 3 (Western Colorado): Jeff Hurd (incumbent Republican) retained his seat. U.S. House District 51 (Northern Colorado): Amy Parks (Republican) defeated Nancy Rumfelt. U.S. House District 5 (Colorado Springs): Democratic winner Killin advances. Attorney General: David Willson and Michael Allen are the Democratic candidates; Christy Peterson won the Republican primary unopposed. Secretary of State: Democratic incumbent Jena Griswold seeks re-election.
State Budget Takes Effect; $40 Billion Spending Plan for 2026-27
STATE IMPACT
Source: Colorado General Assembly
Colorado's $40 billion state budget for fiscal year 2026-27 took effect July 1. The Long Bill (HB26-1410) funds executive, legislative, and judicial departments, plus state agencies and institutions. The budget reflects 3% growth over the previous year, with increased allocations for education, transportation, and healthcare.
Plain Language
The state budget runs July 1 through June 30. The General Assembly passed the budget in May; Governor Polis signed it June 24. Mandatory spending includes K-12 education and Medicaid. Discretionary spending is allocated through the Joint Budget Committee process.
New Laws Effective July 1
STATE IMPACT
Source: Colorado General Assembly
Six new laws took effect today. HB26-1144 defines three-dimensional printing for state regulatory purposes, clarifying which agencies oversee additive and subtractive manufacturing. HB26-1431 allows workers licensed in other states to obtain Colorado licensure by demonstrating competency rather than repeating training — affected professions include cosmetology, electrical work, plumbing, and healthcare support occupations. HB25-1133 requires background checks for ammunition purchases through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation; purchasers must pay a fee and wait for approval. HB26-1265 requires law enforcement agencies to participate in the ATF eTrace firearms tracking system. HB23-1057 requires all-gender bathroom signage in public buildings showing locations of non-gendered restrooms and diaper changing stations. HB26-1410 is the state budget described above.
Plain Language
The ammunition background check law (HB25-1133) is the most significant change for most residents — it extends existing firearm background check requirements to ammunition sales and also restricts certain reloading supplies. The occupational license portability law reduces redundant training requirements for workers moving to Colorado from other states.