Colorado Races, Prop NN Draw Heavy Midterm Spending

Colorado's congressional and ballot-measure campaigns are attracting record-level fundraising as national midterm spending nears $12 billion.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections

Isometric editorial illustration of a tall column of plain stone coins rising beside a flat mountain ridge on a high plain in muted oxblood, teal, and mustard. — Colorado congressional and ballot-measure campaigns are drawing record spending as national midterm outlays approach $12 billion, according to OpenSecrets. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Colorado congressional districts and ballot measures are drawing heavy spending in the 2026 midterms, with both parties contributing over $40 million to three Republican-controlled districts. Total national midterm spending is on track to reach nearly $12 billion, according to OpenSecrets, more than any previous election cycle in United States history.

Why it matters

The scale of spending reflects how competitive Colorado's districts and ballot questions have become heading into November 3. Outcomes in the state's congressional races and on Prop NN could shape House control and the state's tax policy.

Campaign filings show Laubacher has raised $13.61 million against Boebert's $1.22 million, while Prop NN has drawn $8.54 million in support and nearly $3.81 million in opposition. Several Colorado races remain unsettled ahead of election day.

The players

OpenSecrets

OpenSecrets is a nonpartisan research group that tracks money in U.S. politics and publishes campaign finance data.

Lauren Boebert

Lauren Boebert is the Republican U.S. representative for Colorado's eastern district, seeking reelection in 2026.

Eileen Laubacher

Eileen Laubacher is the Democratic challenger in Colorado's eastern congressional district, having raised over $13 million.

The details

Democratic challenger Manny Rutinel has raised $9.33 million in the Front Range district against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans's $7.13 million, as of October 24. Amendment 84 would require voters to write the last four digits of their Social Security or state ID number on mail ballots.

October 14, 2026: Ballotpedia reported Prop NN support fundraising totals.
October 24, 2026: Campaign filings cut-off for Front Range district fundraising totals.
November 3, 2026: Midterm election day, when races and ballot measures are decided.

Political Context

OpenSecrets data show that 2026 midterm spending is on track to exceed every prior election cycle in U.S. history, with nearly $12 billion projected. Colorado's three Republican-held districts are drawing a share of that money from both parties.

If Prop NN passes, Colorado's TABOR revenue limit would rise by 2% each year for 10 years, directing an estimated $4.6 billion toward education. Voters in Colorado should check their mail ballots carefully if Amendment 84 is approved, as it requires an ID number on each return.

The takeaway

Colorado's midterm results will show whether record spending in its districts translates into changed outcomes. Voters weighing Prop NN should consider how it would alter TABOR refunds for taxpayers.