Democrats hold the majority in the state Senate, but they want one more seat to gain a supermajority.
Why it matters: If Democrats hold their House supermajority and acquire the same power in the Senate, they would gain new powers to push their priorities.
State of play: The results will come down to four districts that are the most competitive this year.
- Senate District 5: This Western Slope race features Republican state Rep. Marc Catlin of Montrose against Democratic challenger Cole Buerger. Outside organizations have spent nearly $2 million on the contest.
- Senate District 6: Republicans are spending big money to hold this seat for Sen. Cleave Simpson of Alamosa. The Democratic candidate is Vivian Smotherman of Durango.
- Senate District 12: Democrats must defend this seat to gain a supermajority. State Rep. Marc Snyder is the Democratic candidate. He faces Republican Stan VanderWerf, an El Paso County commissioner.
- Senate District 13: This is one of the top swing districts in the state and it’s an open race with the term-limited departure of Sen. Kevin Priola. It favors Republican candidate Scott Bright over Democrat Matt Johnston.