Denver

Denver Alerts

Alert

Picture of the Denver skyline with DEN written across it.

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Denver with Alayna Alvarez, John Frank, and Esteban L. Hernandez.

Axios Denver

Standard

Axios Denver Partners

Axios Denver Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

A guide to fun things to do in Denver this weekend.

Axios Denver Weekender

Weekender

Axios Denver Deep Dive

Deep Dive

Denver Members

Membership

Attack ads and political collusion roil tight 1st District primary

Upstart Melat Kiros's campaign to oust U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette is getting testy.

News

The Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race to represent Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" data-vars-content-id="e7b9a6ab-51f5-437e-8c29-6c0a7c54c762" data-vars-headline="Attack ads and political collusion roil tight 1st District primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" target="_self">race to represent Denver</a> is growing more combative just as voters receive primary ballots. Why it matters: A new attack ad targeting 1st Congressional District challenger Melat Kiros marks an escalation in a race deciding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whether voters want change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" data-vars-content-id="e7b9a6ab-51f5-437e-8c29-6c0a7c54c762" data-vars-headline="Attack ads and political collusion roil tight 1st District primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/02/progressive-challenger-kiros-tests-degette-primary" target="_self">whether voters want change</a> or the experience of U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette.

Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and top races

Colorado voters go to the ballot box this month to decide which candidates will advance to the November general election.

Election

Colorado voters go to the ballot box this month to decide which candidates will advance to the November general election.Why it matters: Now that the Democrats are the dominant party in Colorado, primary elections <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hold as much importance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/11/colorado-democrats-primary-infighting-surges" data-vars-content-id="70fd0862-fbbd-4b15-8b3a-116ce50d6d64" data-vars-headline="Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and top races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/11/colorado-democrats-primary-infighting-surges" target="_self">hold as much importance</a> as the November vote, particularly in key races where the majority party is expected to win.

9 ways to celebrate Father's Day around Denver

It's Dad's day out. Here's how to make it count.

Things to Do

Mom had her turn. Dad&#x27;s up next.The big picture: This Father&#x27;s Day weekend offers plenty of ways to spend time with the father figure in your life — whether that&#x27;s catching a Rockies game, practicing your golf swing or raising a pint.

Expanded Denver Juneteenth festival set for Five Points

The festival will mark its 15th anniversary this year.

Denver&#x27;s free <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="d877ae47-b156-4f66-be4e-9dc7279d49cb" data-vars-headline="Expanded Denver Juneteenth festival set for Five Points" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.juneteenthmusicfestival.com/" target="_blank">Juneteenth celebration</a> returns to the historic Five Points neighborhood this weekend — bigger and bolder with a three-day extravaganza.Why it matters: Organizers expanded this year&#x27;s festival after scaling back some of last year&#x27;s programming when corporate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sponsorship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/22/juneteenth-festival-budget-funding-cuts-sponsors/" data-vars-content-id="d877ae47-b156-4f66-be4e-9dc7279d49cb" data-vars-headline="Expanded Denver Juneteenth festival set for Five Points" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/22/juneteenth-festival-budget-funding-cuts-sponsors/" target="_blank">sponsorship</a> waned back amid broader DEI rollbacks.

Colorado to join Trump's 250th state fair celebration

Colorado's forests, culture and identity go on display this week in Washington, D.C., as part of the Great American State Fair.

Colorado&#x27;s forests, culture and identity go on display in Washington, D.C., as the Great American State Fair opens Thursday on the National Mall.Why it matters: The high-profile event is a centerpiece of the nation&#x27;s 250th celebration — and Colorado&#x27;s involvement has become <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a flashpoint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/29/trump-freedom-250-concert-state-fair-backlash" data-vars-content-id="4acd5fe2-32e8-4f92-96f7-7d50eba41d0f" data-vars-headline="Colorado to join Trump&#x27;s 250th state fair celebration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/29/trump-freedom-250-concert-state-fair-backlash" target="_self">a flashpoint</a> in a broader debate over politics and patriotism.

1-minute voter guide: Republican candidates for governor

Colorado Republicans face a defining choice for governor.

Colorado Republicans face a defining choice for governor.Why it matters: A veteran state senator, a hardline culture-war conservative lawmaker and a political outsider with deep questions about his past are battling for the nomination in one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most outlandish races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lIHQoheG7TY" data-vars-content-id="6ecbaa6f-c825-4b5d-998d-596ef88757d7" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Republican candidates for governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lIHQoheG7TY" target="_blank">most outlandish races</a> in years.

1-minute voter guide: Democratic 1st Congressional District candidates

Two challengers are hoping to unseat a longtime incumbent.

Three candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination to run in Colorado&#x27;s 1st Congressional District. Why it matters: Whoever wins the primary likely secures the safely Democratic seat in a district encompassing mostly Denver and small parts of Arapahoe County.

1-minute voter guide: Democratic U.S. Senate race

In the U.S. Senate primary, Democrats are watching a rare intraparty showdown that doubles as a debate over the party's future.

In the U.S. Senate primary, Democrats are watching a rare intraparty showdown that doubles as a debate over the party&#x27;s future.Why it matters: This race showcases the split in the Colorado Democratic Party between moderates and progressives.

1-minute voter guide: Democratic race for attorney general

The Democratic attorney general primary is a crowded contest.

The Democratic attorney general primary is a crowded contest.Why it matters: The attorney general is a high-profile position in the Trump era.

1-minute voter guide: Democratic primary for Colorado governor

The June 30 Democratic primary will likely determine Colorado's next governor in a state where Democrats hold a strong advantage in statewide elections.

Colorado voters are choosing between two well-known statewide figures who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largely agree" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/17/phil-weiser-michael-bennet-policy-stance-similarities/" data-vars-content-id="c0961d30-d74b-4dc1-9121-51a90aac3c98" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Democratic primary for Colorado governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/17/phil-weiser-michael-bennet-policy-stance-similarities/" target="_blank">largely agree</a> on policy but are making sharply different arguments about how to lead the state.Why it matters: The June 30 Democratic primary will likely determine Colorado&#x27;s next governor in a state where Democrats hold a strong advantage in statewide elections.

1-minute voter guide: Democrats battle in much-watched 8th District

Colorado's 8th Congressional District is one of the nation's premier House battlegrounds and a top Democratic pickup opportunity in 2026.

State Rep. Manny Rutinel and former state Rep. Shannon Bird can agree on Democratic priorities but their paths to the race are what sets them apart.Why it matters: Colorado&#x27;s 8th Congressional District is one of the nation&#x27;s premier House battlegrounds and a top Democratic pickup opportunity in 2026.<ul><li>The winner of the June 30 primary will face Republican Rep. Gabe Evans in a race that could help determine control of the U.S. House.</li></ul>State of play: Bird, 57, is positioning herself as a pragmatic Democrat who can work across the aisle, as she did in the state Legislature.<ul><li>Rutinel, 31, is campaigning as the progressive candidate, even though he is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shifting his stance" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/04/manny-rutinel-changed-positions-healthcare-student-debt-fracking/" data-vars-content-id="e84c1508-96f4-49b1-8f5d-94f0890b5b1e" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Democrats battle in much-watched 8th District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/06/04/manny-rutinel-changed-positions-healthcare-student-debt-fracking/" target="_blank">shifting his stance</a> on major issues.</li><li>A third candidate, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Evan Munsing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/27/munsing-suspends-cd8-democratic-campaign" data-vars-content-id="e84c1508-96f4-49b1-8f5d-94f0890b5b1e" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Democrats battle in much-watched 8th District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/27/munsing-suspends-cd8-democratic-campaign" target="_self">Evan Munsing</a>, will appear on the ballot even though he suspended his campaign.</li></ul>Zoom in: Rutinel is a state representative from Commerce City who has highlighted his working-class upbringing — he talks about being the son of an immigrant mother — and his prior work as an attorney pushing environmental issues.<ul><li>Bird is a former state representative from Westminster who emphasizes being raised by a single mother and that she&#x27;s the first in her family to go to college and law school. Her position on the Legislature&#x27;s budget committee made her one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most prominent and effective" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/16/colorado-effective-lawmaker-shannon-bird" data-vars-content-id="e84c1508-96f4-49b1-8f5d-94f0890b5b1e" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Democrats battle in much-watched 8th District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/16/colorado-effective-lawmaker-shannon-bird" target="_self">most prominent and effective</a> lawmakers.</li></ul>The intrigue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/25/shannon-bird-pinata-immigration-8th-district-colorado" data-vars-content-id="e84c1508-96f4-49b1-8f5d-94f0890b5b1e" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Democrats battle in much-watched 8th District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/25/shannon-bird-pinata-immigration-8th-district-colorado" target="_self">The race</a> is one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most negative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/29/8th-district-colorado-democratic-debate-bird-rutinel" data-vars-content-id="e84c1508-96f4-49b1-8f5d-94f0890b5b1e" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Democrats battle in much-watched 8th District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/29/8th-district-colorado-democratic-debate-bird-rutinel" target="_self">most negative</a> this election cycle with both camps trading misleading attacks.<ul><li>Rutinel is attacking Bird for a vote as a state lawmaker against a bill prohibiting local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities because of the fines for those who violate the law.</li><li>She now wants to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overhaul ICE" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/28/manny-rutinel-shannon-bird-colorado-primary-issue-guide/#dismantling-ice" data-vars-content-id="e84c1508-96f4-49b1-8f5d-94f0890b5b1e" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Democrats battle in much-watched 8th District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradosun.com/2026/05/28/manny-rutinel-shannon-bird-colorado-primary-issue-guide/#dismantling-ice" target="_blank">overhaul ICE</a> and make its officers more accountable.</li></ul>The other side: Rutinel echoes Bird&#x27;s position on ICE. He also wants to hold agents accountable when they violate civil rights laws and prohibit officers from wearing face masks.

1-minute voter guide: Colorado's GOP race for attorney general

The Republican contest for attorney general features a veteran prosecutor focused on crime and an outsider arguing the legal system needs an aggressive overhaul.

The Republican contest for attorney general features a veteran prosecutor focused on crime and an outsider arguing the legal system needs an aggressive overhaul.State of play: Michael Allen, the two-term El Paso County district attorney, is centering his campaign on prosecuting fentanyl cases and the Club Q shooter who is serving a life sentence.

Big money flows into key Democratic races ahead of June primary

The late infusion of campaign cash is a sign that some campaigns are nervous about their chances.

Ahead of next week&#x27;s primary election, candidates and super PACs in Colorado are writing high-dollar checks for a final spending blitz.Why it matters: The late infusion of campaign cash is a sign that some campaigns are nervous about their chances and looking to influence voters who are still undecided.

Politics 🇺🇸

Colorado to join Trump's 250th state fair celebration

Colorado voter guide: What to know about the candidates and top races

1-minute voter guide: Democratic race for 5th Congressional District

1-minute voter guide: Republican candidates for governor

1-minute voter guide: Democratic 1st Congressional District candidates