The 8th Congressional District race is the one to watch, according to Colorado political experts who spoke Tuesday at an event hosted by Axios Denver at the Denver Press Club.
What they’re saying: “I think it’s going to continue to be very close and come down to who has the better message,” said Alvina Vasquez, a Democratic political strategist.
The big picture: The congressional battle in Denver’s northern suburbs is the marquee race in the 2024 election, but far from the only consequential decision on the ballot.
Colorado may not land on the map as a battleground, but the presidential race at the top of the ticket holds importance for down-ballot races in terms of turnout and energy.
- “Coloradans recognize we may not have that political importance, but we are also a highly educated state … [the presidential race] still boosts turnout dramatically,” said Lori Weigel, a prominent Colorado pollster.
- Presidential election years also generate more ballot measures, said David Meschke, an attorney at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck who tracks the initiatives.