Colorado Democrats Lead Republicans in Fundraising

Statewide Democratic candidates have raised $12.8 million to Republicans' $5 million ahead of the upcoming election.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Political Parties

Isometric editorial illustration of two crystalline rock formations of unequal size in a mountain field, representing campaign fundraising disparity. — Democratic statewide candidates in Colorado have raised $12.8 million for their campaigns, significantly outpacing Republican fundraising efforts of $5 million. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Democratic candidates for Colorado statewide offices have significantly outraised their Republican counterparts, bringing in $12.8 million compared to $5 million. Democrats currently maintain $1 million in cash on hand, while Republican candidates report $258,000.

Why it matters

The massive fundraising gap reflects widespread skepticism among conservative donors regarding the electoral viability of Republican candidates in the state. This financial disparity arrives as both parties prepare for the final stages of their campaigns.

Democratic candidates Phil Weiser, Jena Griswold, and Amanda Gonzalez have significantly outpaced their opponents, with Griswold and Gonzalez both maintaining a 5-to-1 fundraising lead. These figures exclude all third-party PAC expenditures.

The players

Phil Weiser

He is the current Colorado Attorney General and a prominent candidate for reelection who has secured significant campaign funding.

Jena Griswold

She serves as the Colorado Secretary of State and is a key Democratic candidate currently holding a substantial fundraising lead over her opponent.

Amanda Gonzalez

She is a Democratic candidate for statewide office who has successfully outraised her Republican challenger by a factor of 5-to-1.

The details

Phil Weiser specifically raised $9.1 million of the total Democratic funds. This imbalance mirrors a broader trend where major donors are prioritizing other races over Colorado's current statewide contests.

October 2026: Campaign finance data was officially reported.
2018: Democrats previously swept all statewide offices in Colorado.

Political Context

This fundraising dominance follows the pattern set by the 2018 election cycle where Democrats successfully swept all statewide offices in Colorado. Republican opposition groups argue that the data does not account for grassroots mobilization efforts that could bridge the gap.

The fundraising gap means voters will likely see a significantly higher volume of Democratic campaign advertising and outreach in the final days of the cycle. Taxpayers should note that these figures do not include external influence from PACs, which may further intensify the media landscape before the election.

The takeaway

The significant financial advantage for Democratic candidates suggests a high level of donor confidence in the current party leadership. Voters should anticipate an increase in campaign activity as these funds are deployed to reach the electorate before the polls close.