Colorado Voters Face $40 Million House Race and 12 Billion Dollar National Spend
The 8th District battle tops state spending, while Proposition NN and Amendment 84 drive record initiative costs.
By Layla Richardson ·
Colorado voters face a record-breaking financial contest in the 2026 midterms. OpenSecrets projects total national spending for the election will reach nearly $12 billion. This figure marks the highest expenditure in United States history. A large portion of that money targets three competitive congressional districts in Colorado. Democrats aim to flip these seats to gain control of the House. Republicans seek to hold their ground in these tight races.
The 8th Congressional District on the Front Range leads state spending. Democratic challenger Manny Rutinel has raised $9.33 million as of October 24. Incumbent Republican Rep. Gabe Evans has raised $7.13 million. Seven other candidates have collected $3.24 million collectively. This total places the race at number eight among the most expensive U.S. House elections. The district has been politically competitive since its creation in 2021. It stands as a primary target for the Democratic Party this November.
The 6th Congressional District in eastern Colorado presents a different dynamic. Democrat Eileen Laubacher has raised $13.61 million to unseat Rep. Lauren Boebert. Boebert has raised $1.22 million. Laubacher seeks to capitalize on Boebert's controversial tenure. The 6th District is generally a safe Republican seat. Boebert moved there in 2024 after resigning from the 3rd District. She nearly lost that 2022 race, which was the closest U.S. House contest in the nation.
The 5th Congressional District in El Paso County is Colorado's only district never held by a Democrat. Jessica Killin has raised $5.55 million to challenge incumbent Jeff Crank. Crank has raised $2.86 million. The Cook Political Report classifies this race as Colorado's only toss-up election. It is expected to be the closest congressional contest in the state this year.
Ballot measures are also drawing millions in spending. Proposition NN would increase K-12 education funding by 2 percent annually for a decade. This change would raise the TABOR tax revenue limit. The measure aims to generate about $4.6 billion in additional investment. Supporters have raised $8.54 million. Opponents have raised nearly $3.81 million. This is the only measure placed on the ballot by the State Legislature.
A graduated income tax measure targets earners above $500,000. It would lower taxes for those earning less. Progressive advocates filed the measure. It survived multiple legal challenges, including a review by the Colorado Supreme Court. Opposition committees have raised nearly $6.91 million. Support committees have raised $2.53 million.
Amendment 84 requires voters to write the last four digits of their Social Security or state ID number on mail ballots. This measure was filed by local conservative politicians. Out-of-state groups provide financial backing. Support committees have raised $6.6 million. Opposition committees have raised nearly $1.07 million.
