Colorado Governor Polis Campaigns Against Amendment 87
Governor Jared Polis is actively opposing the proposed graduated income tax measure currently on the ballot.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should party leaders distance themselves from elected officials who hold views contrary to the party platform?
Colorado Governor Jared Polis is campaigning against Amendment 87, a ballot initiative that seeks to replace the state's 4.4% flat income tax with a graduated income tax structure. This opposition comes amid ongoing tension between the governor and his party.
Why it matters
The governor's stance on Amendment 87 highlights a deepening rift within Colorado Democratic leadership, which has already resulted in the governor being barred from official state party events. This conflict complicates the party's cohesion as they navigate tax policy changes and internal disciplinary actions.
Amendment 87 proposes replacing the current 4.4% flat income tax with a graduated income tax. Governor Polis, who won reelection in 2022 with 59% of the vote, is leading the opposition to the measure.
The players
Jared Polis
The current Governor of Colorado who has been at odds with the state Democratic Party over policy and clemency decisions.
Tina Peters
A former Mesa County clerk who was granted clemency by Governor Polis.
Colorado Democratic Party
The political organization that has censured and banned Governor Polis from official party events.
The details
Governor Polis has maintained a controversial profile within his party, notably granting clemency to Tina Peters, a former Mesa County clerk. Additionally, he has supported a Trump-backed school choice program, advocated for state cooperation with ICE, and opposed union-backed efforts to alter state labor laws.
Timeline
Jared Polis was reelected governor in 2022.
A poll measured the governor's approval rating at 44% in April 2026.
The Colorado Democratic Party censured the governor in May 2026.
The governor appeared on 60 Minutes to defend his actions on October 25, 2026.
Political Context
The proposal to replace Colorado's 4.4% flat income tax marks a significant departure from the established fiscal policy that has defined the state's revenue collection. Opposition to this measure reflects a broader struggle between traditional fiscal conservatives and proponents of progressive tax reform.
The passage or failure of Amendment 87 would directly alter the personal income tax rates paid by Colorado residents. Depending on the outcome, voters could see a shift in their state tax burden compared to the existing flat rate system.
The takeaway
Voters should monitor the details of Amendment 87 to understand how a graduated tax structure might impact their household income. The governor's public opposition suggests that high-profile political disagreements will continue to shape the state's legislative agenda.
Further reading
For more on the state ballot measures, visit the Colorado Elections page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
Live Poll
Should party leaders distance themselves from elected officials who hold views contrary to the party platform?
