Outside Groups Have Flooded Colorado Races
Political spending has surged across key Colorado congressional districts ahead of November elections.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Elections
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Campaigns and outside groups have ramped up financial efforts to influence Colorado voters as the November congressional elections approach. Spending has been particularly heavy in the 8th and 5th Congressional Districts.
Why it matters
These massive infusions of capital aim to sway undecided voters in critical swing districts, potentially deciding which party secures a majority in the U.S. Congress next year.
Outside groups have reported $11 million in expenditures in the 8th District since June 30, with Republican-leaning organizations outspending Democratic-leaning groups by $2 million. Meanwhile, the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition has launched a $15 million campaign targeting seven candidates.
The players
Gabe Evans
He is a congressional candidate in Colorado who has received significant financial backing from the No Going Back super PAC and AFP Action.
Jeff Crank
He is a candidate for Congress in Colorado who has been supported by over $1.9 million in outside spending from the No Going Back super PAC.
Lauren Boebert
She is a member of Congress currently being targeted by a $15 million campaign from the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition PAC.
Manny Rutinel
He is a congressional candidate whose opposition has been funded in part by over $650,000 in spending from AFP Action.
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
This organization provides strategic support and fundraising assistance to specific candidates through its Red to Blue program.
The details
Political groups are utilizing broadcast, digital, and mail media to target voters in regions like the Denver suburbs, Greeley, and Weld County. The 5th Congressional District, centered in El Paso County, has also seen over $3 million in total spending to influence the outcome of the contest.
Timeline
June 30, 2026 marked the beginning of the tracked outside spending window.
October 2026 is the primary period for intensive TV and digital advertising.
November 2026 is when voters will cast their ballots on Election Day.
Political Context
The current surge in outside spending reflects a long-term trend in federal elections following the legal precedents established by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. This environment has shifted campaign influence away from candidate-run committees toward deep-pocketed super PACs.
Voters can expect a significant increase in political advertisements across their television screens and digital devices as Election Day nears. These expenditures translate into a high volume of campaign mailers and aggressive outreach efforts targeted at residents in competitive districts.
The takeaway
The high volume of spending highlights how critical swing districts are to the national power balance in Washington. Voters should look past the volume of advertising to evaluate candidates based on their specific policy platforms and records.
What happens next
The No Going Back super PAC is expected to continue its financial support for Gabe Evans through the final weeks of the campaign.
Further reading
For more background on state-wide political contests, visit Colorado Elections.
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Does the high level of campaign spending in congressional races influence your view of the election?
