2026 Democratic Primary Election Voter Guide
Hello Friends,
Ballots for the June 30th Democratic Primary are arriving in mailboxes, and I’ve received quite a few questions about what is on the ballot and what these offices actually do. This guide is intended to provide a straightforward overview of the races you’ll see and why they matter.
Jenny’s Pick Overview (Contested Races)
Statewide:
Governor: Michael Bennett
Treasurer: Jeff Bridges
Secretary of State: Jessie Danielson
Attorney General: Michael Dougherty
Congressional District 2
CU Regent: Edie Hooton
Boulder County:
County Treasurer: Rachel Friend
There are also a few uncontested races. I want to recognize Representative to the US Congress Joe Neguse, Boulder County Sheriff Curtis Johnson, and Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann as extraordinary public servants that I am also honored to support.
Election Information
Election Day: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Ballots must be received by your County Clerk by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. (Postmarks do not count.)
You can:
- Mail your ballot early.
- Drop it off at any official ballot drop box.
- Vote in person at a Voter Service and Polling Center.
If you haven’t received your ballot or need to register, update your address, or check your voter registration, visit GoVoteColorado.gov.
Who Can Vote?
- Registered Democrats receive a Democratic primary ballot.
- Unaffiliated voters may choose to vote in either the Democratic or
- Republican primary, but not both.
- Registered Republicans vote in the Republican primary.
- Minor party voters participate in their own party’s primary if applicable.
What’s on the Ballot
Governor
Jenny’s Pick: Michael Bennett. He is currently serving as a United States Senator for Colorado, a position he has held since 2009. He has a track record of working across the aisle to get things done, focusing on practical solutions rather than political extremes. He’s also deeply experienced in education and economic policy, with a reputation for prioritizing opportunity, fiscal responsibility, and long-term growth for Colorado.
The Governor serves as Colorado’s chief executive, overseeing state agencies, proposing the state budget, signing or vetoing legislation, responding to emergencies, and setting the overall direction of state government. The next governor will inherit significant challenges, including balancing the state budget, addressing housing affordability, wildfire mitigation, transportation, education funding, and water resources.
As you evaluate candidates, consider:
- Leadership and management experience
- Budget and fiscal priorities
- Public safety
- Housing and land use
- Education
- Climate and wildfire resilience
Attorney General
Jenny’s Pick: Michael Dougherty. His experience as the Boulder County District Attorney shows he can manage complex cases and bring a balanced, practical approach to the Attorney General role. He has built a strong reputation as a prosecutor who focuses on public safety while also supporting prevention and treatment programs to reduce repeat offenses.
The Attorney General is Colorado’s chief legal officer. This office represents the state in court, enforces consumer protection laws, prosecutes certain statewide crimes, provides legal guidance to state agencies, and often becomes involved in major constitutional and public policy issues.
The Attorney General also plays an important role in:
- Consumer protection
- Environmental enforcement
- Public corruption
- Civil rights
- Criminal justice
- Multi-state litigation
Secretary of State
Jenny’s Pick: Jessie Danielson. She is a Colorado State Senator that would bring a strong focus on protecting voters and ensuring secure, accessible elections for all Coloradans. Her legislative experience and emphasis on transparency and consumer protection show she would prioritize integrity, accountability, and public trust in the Secretary of State’s office.
The Secretary of State oversees Colorado’s elections, campaign finance reporting, business registrations, and public records related to elections.
Responsibilities include:
- Administering statewide elections
- Maintaining election security
- Registering businesses
- Campaign finance transparency
- Election certification
State Treasurer
Jenny’s Pick: Jeff Bridges. He currently serves as a Colorado State Senator and has extensive experience in budgeting and financial policy at the state level. His background working on Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee demonstrates a strong understanding of fiscal management, making him well-suited to oversee the state’s finances as Treasurer.
The State Treasurer manages Colorado’s financial assets and investments, oversees the state’s banking relationships, administers several financial assistance programs, and works to safeguard taxpayer dollars.
University of Colorado Regent (Congressional District 2)
Jenny’s Pick: Edie Hooton. She previously served in the Colorado House of Representatives. She has focused on education, environmental issues, and policies impacting families and students. She brings a strong commitment to student success and ensuring the university remains accessible and affordable. Her focus on thoughtful governance and long-term planning would help guide the university system in a way that balances academic excellence with responsible oversight.
The Board of Regents governs the University of Colorado system, including Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Anschutz Medical Campus. Because CU is one of Colorado’s largest public institutions, these elections often have long-lasting impacts on higher education and research.
Regents are responsible for:
- Hiring and evaluating the university president
- Approving major budgets
- Setting tuition policies
- Long-term strategic planning
- Protecting the university’s academic mission
Boulder County Treasurer
Jenny’s Pick: Rachel Friend. She previously served on Boulder City Council, where she worked on local policy, budgeting, and community priorities. Her experience with municipal finances and decision-making would position her well to manage county funds responsibly and bring a thoughtful, transparent approach to the Treasurer role.
Although this office receives less public attention, the County Treasurer has an important responsibility managing county funds, collecting property taxes, investing public dollars, and ensuring revenues are distributed appropriately to schools, municipalities, libraries, and special districts.
The office focuses on:
- Property tax collection
- Investment of county funds
- Financial accountability
- Distribution of tax revenues
- Fiscal stewardship
I hope this guide helps make your ballot a little easier to navigate.
Most importantly, make a plan to vote and be sure your ballot is received by 7:00 p.m. on June 30.
Thank you for reading!