While voters across the country mailed in their ballots or went to the polls on Tuesday, many races remained too close to call as of Friday. In Colorado, the one-time swing state swung decisively blue as voters approved mostly Democratic candidates, including the first Latina to represent Colorado in Congress. On a national stage, Republicans appeared likely to claim control of the House whereas Democrats remained optimistic for several upset wins to hold onto their Senate control.
Colorado Elections
While Colorado Republicans had hoped to claim several decisive victories throughout the state, Democrats saw their influence grow across state offices this midterm season. Democratic incumbent Jared Polis comfortably reclaimed his position as Governor, beating contender Heidi Ganahl by a 17-point lead with 57.5% of the vote. His victory marked the first time in 30 years a Democrat won Douglas County.
Democrats also seized victories in the Senate and House races. Michael Bennet won his third full-term against Republican contender Joe O’Dea by 12 points. Across the state, House races saw DeGette (Democrat) solidify her term as 1st District Representative, Neguse (Democrat) for 2nd District, Buck (Republican) as 4th District Representative, Lamborn (Republican) for 5th district, Crow (Democrat) for the 6th District and Pettersen (Democrat) for the 7th District.
The 3rd and 8th districts were surprisingly competitive this year. As of Friday morning, the 3rd District Representative race was still neck-and-neck between Lauren Boebert and Adam Frisch. Boebert, a prominent supporter of former President Trump was leading 0.35% of the vote with 95% of the vote in.
The newly formed 8th Congressional District elected Colorado’s first Latina House representative, Yadira Caraveo. While some races have called her victory, the New York Times was tracking her at 0.81% ahead in vote tallies to current Republican State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer.
State elections marked massive victories for the Democrats who again solidified their control over the legislature. The Senate is now composed of 21 Democrats to 12 Republicans; the House holds 41 Democrats to 19 Republicans. The Attorney General, Secretary of State and State Treasurer positions were all comfortably won by the Democratic incumbents.
Ballot measure results were mixed this year. Of the failed amendments, Proposition 126 (allow alcohol delivery), Proposition 124 (expand retail liquor licenses) and Amendment F (charitable gaming regulations) failed when offered up to voters.
Of the approved amendments, Proposition 122 (decriminalizing and regulating psychedelics for 21+) notably succeeded. Proponents of the measure viewed the success as ushering in a new era for Colorado residents to explore alternative medical practices. While those 21 and older will be able to visit licensed facilities starting Fall 2023, psilocybin will only be administered by licensed facilitators. While personal possession is decriminalized, Oregon is still the only state to have legalized psychedelic treatments.
Other successful ballot measures include Proposition 121, which will reduce state income tax rates, Proposition GG, which will list income tax effects on future ballot measures, and Amendment E, which will extend property tax exemptions to Gold Star spouses.
Coloradoans are still waiting for conclusive results on Proposition 123, which will establish a state affordable housing fund, and Proposition 125, which will allow wine sales in grocery and convenience stores. In both cases, 92% of the vote is in with a slight lead towards the ‘yes’ side.
National Elections
As of Friday, many national races remained too close to call as Democrats and Republicans vied for Congressional control. Democrats had successfully secured 50 Senate seats to 49 Republican seats. In the House, Republicans were slowly inching towards control of the chamber with 211 representatives to 194 Democratic representatives.
Democrats managed to flip a seat in the Senate as Fetterman pulled off a victory over Dr. Oz in the tightly-contested Pennsylvania race. On Sunday, the Associated Press called the Nevada race for Democrat Catherine Cortex Masto, who won the seat by a razor-thin 5,000-vote margin. In Arizona, Democratic candidate Mark Kelly was projected to prevail over his Republican competitor, Blake Masters, as of Friday evening.
In Georgia, however, neither Warnok nor Walker received 50% of the vote. A run-off election will be held on December 6th.
