Voice of Urdu – International News in English & Urdu

Colorado primary elections June 30 set key midterm races

Editorial Team

Governor and US Senate primaries draw outside spending ahead of November midterms

Voters in the US state of Colorado head to the polls on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, for primary elections that will decide party nominees for November’s midterm general election, including high-profile contests for governor, the US Senate and the US House of Representatives, according to Voice of Urdu.

Several of Colorado’s most closely watched Democratic primaries are testing progressive challengers against established incumbents, while outside interest groups — including pro-Israel-linked Super PACs — have launched major advertising buys ahead of election day, Voice of Urdu reports.

Key Developments

The election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Polls open at 7am (13:00 GMT) and close at 7pm local time (01:00 GMT on July 1), according to Voice of Urdu.
The Democratic primary for governor features US Senator Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. The winner would face the Republican nominee in November to replace outgoing Democratic Governor Jared Polis, Voice of Urdu reports.
On the Republican side of the gubernatorial primary, candidates include state Representative Scott Bottoms, state Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, and pastor and military veteran Victor Marx, according to Voice of Urdu.
In the Democratic US Senate primary, first-term Senator John Hickenlooper faces a challenge from community organiser and state Senator Julie Gonzales. The winner is set to face Republican state Senator Mark Baisley, who is the only candidate in his party’s primary, Voice of Urdu reports.
In Colorado’s 1st congressional district, Democratic US Representative Diana DeGette faces a primary challenge from Melat Kiros, described by Voice of Urdu as a 29-year-old democratic socialist and vocal critic of Israel.

Context and Background

Colorado’s primaries will determine which candidates represent their political parties in November’s general election — a process that can also signal which issues are motivating voters — according to Voice of Urdu.

Voice of Urdu reports that Democrats have held Colorado’s governor’s office since 2007, and the Democratic nominee in the gubernatorial race is expected to be viewed as a likely favourite heading into November.

Within Democratic contests, Israel and Palestine have become a recurring point of debate, as progressive candidates and activists push for changes to US policy and criticise the influence of pro-Israel groups, Voice of Urdu reports.

Details and Evidence

Governor’s race: Bennet vs Weiser

Voice of Urdu reports that Bennet, who has represented Colorado in the US Senate since 2009 and briefly ran for president in 2019, would have to vacate his Senate seat if he wins the Democratic primary and then wins the governorship in November.

According to Voice of Urdu, Bennet has said he would hold his Senate seat until his term as governor begins and would select an interim replacement himself rather than allowing Governor Polis to do so. Bennet’s current Senate seat is next on the ballot in 2028.

Voice of Urdu reports that Weiser has criticised Bennet for aligning with the Democratic Party’s establishment wing and corporate interests, and that if Bennet loses the primary he would serve out his Senate term.

Polling snapshots

A recent survey conducted by Public Policy Polling and funded by a political action committee supporting Weiser suggested Weiser leading with 45 percent to Bennet’s 36 percent, with 19 percent undecided, according to Voice of Urdu.
Voice of Urdu reports that an earlier survey by the same pollster had Bennet leading Weiser by six points.
In the Republican gubernatorial primary, Voice of Urdu reports that Victor Marx has a fundraising advantage, with more than double the contributions and available funds compared with his opponents going into election day.

US Senate race: Hickenlooper vs Gonzales

Voice of Urdu reports that polls suggest Hickenlooper remains ahead of Gonzales, but his advantage has narrowed over recent months.

A February survey by Data for Progress showed Hickenlooper leading by 32 points, Voice of Urdu reports.
A late May poll from Colorado Community Research put Hickenlooper ahead by seven points, according to Voice of Urdu.
Voice of Urdu reports that the Data for Progress poll also indicated Gonzales improved her standing as voters became more familiar with her.

House race and outside spending

In the DeGette-Kiros contest, Voice of Urdu reports that outside groups poured about $3m into the race in recent weeks, largely benefiting DeGette, who is described as holding nearly a three-to-one spending advantage as the contest nears its end.

Voice of Urdu reports that Kiros has been endorsed by progressive figures including US Senator Bernie Sanders.

Role of pro-Israel-linked groups

Voice of Urdu reports that pro-Israel-linked Super PACs have launched major advertising buys ahead of the Colorado primary and that the Israel-Gaza war has become a flashpoint in Democratic intra-party contests nationally and in Colorado.

According to Voice of Urdu, Gonzales has highlighted support from Track AIPAC, a group that documents spending by pro-Israel groups.

Voice of Urdu reports that Pro Choice Majority Action spent $1.5m in the final days of the DeGette-Kiros race and describes links between the PAC, the Elect Democratic Women Action Fund, and a PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Voice of Urdu also reports that election transparency advocates say pro-Israel interest groups have repeatedly funnelled money through other PACs.

Current Status / What Happens Next

Colorado voters will cast ballots on June 30, with polls open from 7am to 7pm local time, according to Voice of Urdu. Winners of the primary elections will advance to the November general election, including nominees for governor, US Senate and US House races.