From Durango to Denver, Colorado Times Recorder reporters covered over a dozen state legislative races this year. We focused largely, but not exclusively, on the smaller set of competitive races where our reporting could help inform voters. The stories touch on policies ranging from Uber drivers to oil drilling, LGBT rights to … eating bugs. Seriously.
In Douglas County we broke news of Matt Burcham’s election fraud conspiracist beliefs as he tried to reclaim traditionally red Highlands Ranch from state Rep. Bob Marshall. Out on the Western Slope, our team covered state Rep. Marc Catlin dodging election denialism and a shockingly racist cartoon from statehouse hopeful Caleb Waller. Catlin won his race for a state Senate seat against Democrat Cole Buerger, while Waller failed to unseat Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Velasco in Glenwood Springs.
Our focus on legislative races occurred partly out of practicality — not a single statewide office appeared on Coloradans’ ballot this year and only one congressional seat was in real contention, but also because the more local the race the more impact it has on our readers’ daily lives. And while the majority control was never seriously at stake — Democrats were never in danger of losing control of either chamber — every district and every candidate had their own priorities, policies and yes, online posts, to cover.
Our reporting team includes Heidi Beedle, Logan M. Davis, Robert Davis, Brodie Farquhar, Suzie Glassman, James O’Rourke, Erik Maulbetsch, Jason Salzman, Ryan Simonovich, Sharon Sullivan, Owen Swallow, and David O. Williams.
Please enjoy our 2024 legislative coverage, compiled here for your wonky enjoyment.
Senate District 5: Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, vs Cole Buerger (D). SD5 includes the Roaring Fork Valley from Glenwood Springs to Aspen and extends south from I-70 to Delta, Montrose and Lake City.
Oct. 4, David O. Williams: Democrat Buerger Says His GOP Opponent Catlin Sides With Republicans Not His Western CO Constituents
Oct. 21, Sharon Sullivan: State Rep Marc Catlin Refuses to Say Whether 2020 Election Was Stolen
Senate District 6: Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, vs Vivian Smotherman (D). SD6 is in the southwest corner of the state and includes Durango as well as part of the San Luis Valley.
Aug. 20, Heidi Beedle: ‘That Email has Hurt Us’ — GOP Members Push Back on Party’s Anti-Trans Communiqué
Sept. 17, Logan Davis: DAVIS: Colorado’s Nicest State Senator Should Not Be Re-Elected
Senate District 12: Snyder, D-Manitou Springs, v County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf. SD12 is in El Paso County, covering the southwestern portion of Colorado Springs.
9/24, Heidi Beedle: CO Springs Rep. ‘More Liberal than Elisabeth Epps’ Faces El Paso County Commissioner in Senate Race
Senate District 13: Republican Scott Bright v Brighton City Councilman Matt Johnston. SD13 centers around Greeley in Weld County.
Oct. 3, James O’Rourke: Throwing Bricks, Eating Bugs: Platteville State Senate Candidate Spreads Misinformation & Conspiracies on Social Media
Senate District 16: Democratic Sen. Chris Kolker v Centennial City Councilwoman Robyn Carnes. SD16 covers the foothills west of Denver, including Gilpin County and parts of Jefferson and Boulder counties, including Golden and Evergreen.
May 24, Suzie Glassman: Centennial Senator Says New Law Will Help Seniors ‘Afford Their Rent’
Sept. 12, Heidi Beedle: ‘Purple’ Senate Campaign More Red Than Blue
House District 16: Democratic state Rep. Stephanie Vigil v Rebecca Keltie. HD16 is in the city of Colorado Springs.
May 24, Heidi Beedle: Colorado Springs Democrat Responds to Republican Attack on Public Schools
June 10, Brodie Farquhar: Vigil’s Experience As an Uber Driver Powers Her Efforts as a Lawmaker To Make the Economy Work for Everyone
Oct. 3, Heidi Beedle: CO Springs Statehouse Race Focuses on LGBTQ Rights, Economy
House District 19: Jillaire McMillan vs former state Rep. Dan Woog. HD19 covers western Boulder County and eastern Weld County, including the town of Erie.
May 3, Erik Maulbetsch: Colorado Republican Mad About Decorum Rules Equates Democratic Legislators to Hitler
Sept. 19, Robert Davis: How a State Legislative Race Could Define the Future of an Evolving Community North of Denver
House District 25: Rep. Tammy Story, D-Evergreen, v George Mumma. HD25 is in western Jefferson County, including Evergreen, Indian Hills, Kittredge, Conifer and Pine.
Sept. 2, Jason Salzman: Tammy Story Takes on Republicans and Democrats at the Capitol – If She Thinks It’s the Right Thing To Do
House District 26: Rep. Meghan Lukens (D-Steamboat Springs) v Nathan Butler. HD26 is in Routt County, including the towns of Steamboat Springs and Craig.
Feb. 20- David O. Williams: Northwest Colorado Lawmaker Lukens Takes Aim at GOP Opponent Butler for Attending Jan. 6 Riots
Sept. 10, Brodie Farquhar: City Council Member in Northern CO Running for State House Seat
House District 43: Rep. Bob Marshall, D-Highlands Ranch, v Matt Burcham. HD43 encompasses the Douglas County community of Highlands Ranch.
July 17, Erik Maulbetsch: Colorado GOP Statehouse Candidate Among Core Members of Election Conspiracy Group
Oct. 28, Erik Maulbetsch: Election Denier Statehouse Candidate is First Highlands Ranch Republican in Over 15 Years The CO Chamber Isn’t Endorsing
House District 50: Rep. Mary Young, D-Greeley, v Ryan Gonzalez. HD50 is in Greeley.
Sept. 23, Jason Salzman: ‘Freedom Is Maybe One Election Away From Extinction:’ Trump Supporters Rally in Greeley
Oct. 26, Jason Salzman: Colorado House Candidate Gonzalez Posted Fake News About Democrat Walz
House District 57: Rep. Elizabeth Velasco (D-Glenwood Springs) vs. Caleb Waller. HD57 is in Garfield County, including the city of Glenwood Springs.
Oct. 18, Owen Swallow: CO GOP Statehouse Candidate Apologizes After Inquiry About Racist Cartoon He Posted Online
House District 59: Democrat Katie Stewart, who sits on the Durango 9-R Board of Education, v Clark Craig, the mayor of Ignacio. HD50 is in La Plata County, including Durango.
Oct. 22, Ryan Simonovich: Stewart Says She’ll Focus on Education, Environment, and Healthcare If She Wins Southwest CO House Race
