By Hicks & Associates
The 2024 general election proved to be an impactful cycle for GreenCO endorsed candidates. There were significant shifts at both national and state levels. Key races and ballot measures reflected competing visions for economic stability, energy policy, and social support—issues that resonated strongly with voters.
Nationally, candidates faced a complex landscape as voters weighed concerns over inflation and cost-of-living pressures against diverging economic and foreign policy agendas. The Biden-Harris administration’s emphasis on clean energy, technology manufacturing, and social investment stood in stark contrast to former President Trump’s focus on tariffs, border security, and foreign policy. These issues were pivotal in Colorado’s congressional races.
The open seats in Colorado’s Third and Eighth Congressional Districts became focal points. In District 3, Adam Hurd faced Democrat Adam Frisch, while in District 8, State Representative Gave Evans challenged sitting Congresswoman Caraveo, drawing national attention to the Centennial State. Hurd was able to win his race and Evans ultimately succeeded in a tight race, balancing Colorado’s congressional delegation at 4-4 for Republicans and Democrats.
At the state level, candidates in the Colorado legislature entered the election with strategic goals: for Democrats, defending their majority; for Republicans, securing gains amidst intra-party dynamics. Despite challenges, Democratic candidates in key House and Senate districts aimed for a supermajority that would enable a more progressive legislative agenda in 2025.
As usual, GreenCO conducted candidate interviews this year with a focus on first-time candidates. Along with endorsing and contributing to candidates from the interviews, we also did the same for key incumbent races. We picked candidates that would be partners to the industry, even though we may not agree 100% of the time, the candidates we endorsed will allow us to have our voices heard. We were very strategic in which races we decided to engage in. With that of the 25 races we engaged in there were just three races where the candidate we supported was defeated. Through these endorsements, GreenCO contributed to securing a balanced yet forward-thinking slate of leadership for Colorado’s future.
As usual in Colorado, candidates running for office make up a small portion of the ballot with ballot measures making up the majority. There were 14 statewide ballot measures, with seven referred by the state legislature and the remaining advanced through citizen initiatives. These proposals covered a broad range of policy areas, including school choice, bail exceptions for first-degree murder cases, excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, funding for law enforcement, and judicial disciplinary processes, among others.
However, three measures drew particular attention. Proposition 127 (Failed) sought to prohibit hunting of bobcats, lynxes, and mountain lions, while Proposition 129 (Passed) aimed to establish veterinary professional associates. The most high-profile was Proposition 131 (Failed), which proposed an open primary system followed by ranked choice voting for congressional, state legislative, and executive branch elections in Colorado. This measure was especially contentious, drawing millions in campaign funds from supporters and opponents alike as it sparked debate on electoral reform and voter representation.
As of November 14th, not all Colorado General Assembly races have been called. There are certainly a few races that will see a recount, including the race in HD16 where Rebecca Keltie (R) holds a lead of just 7 votes over incumbent Rep. Stephanie Vigil. What we do know is the status quo largely prevailed in the Colorado legislature, with Democrats maintaining control. If the results stand as they are today the Democrats weren’t able to retain their super majority in the House and weren’t able to secure it in the Senate by just one seat.
Below is a list of the Candidates that GreenCO Endorsed this election cycle:
Please visit the Secretary of State’s website for COLORADO ELECTION RESULTS
Leadership
Both the Democrats and Republicans held elections for leadership in each chamber. Below you will find the results as well as the members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC):
House
Speaker- Rep Julie McCluskie (D – HD 13)
Majority Leader- Rep Monican Duran (D – HD 23)
Assistant Majority Leader- Rep Jennifer Bacon (D – HD 7)
Majority Whips- Reps. Matthew Martinez (D- HD 62) and Iman Jodeh (D – HD 41)
Caucus Chairs -Rep. Mandy Lindsay (D – HD – 42), Rep. Junie Joseph (D- HD 10)
Minority Leader- Rep. Rose Pugliese (R – HD 14)
Assistant Minority Leader-Rep. Ty Winter (R – HD 47)
Caucus Whip Rep. Ryan Armagost (R – HD 64)
Caucus Chair- Rep. Anthony Hartsook (R – HD 44)
Senate
President – Sen. James Coleman (D – SD 33)
Majority Leader – Sen. Robert Rodriguez (D – SD 32)
President Tempore – Sen. Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D – SD 21)
Assistant Majority Leader- Sen. Lisa Cutter (D – SD 20)
Majority Whip – Sen. Nick Hinrichsen (D – SD 3)
Caucus Chair – Sen. Dylan Roberts (D – SD 8)
Minority Leader – Sen. Paul Lundeen (R – SD 9)
Assistant Minority Leader – Sen. Cleave Simpson (R – SD 6)
Caucus Chair – Sen. Byron Pelton (R – SD 1)
Caucus Whip – Sen. Janice Rich (R – SD 7)
JBC
Rep. Rick Taggart (R – HD 55), Rep. Shannon Bird (D – HD 29) (Vice Chair), Rep. Emily Siroita (D – HD 9), Sen Jeff Bridges (D – SD 26) (Chair), Sen. Judy Amabile (D – SD 18), Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer (R – SD 23)
