AGP Executive Report

Colorado Supreme Court & Redistricting: The Colorado Supreme Court upheld the state’s voter-approved redistricting system, blocking Democratic efforts to bypass the independent commission and keep maps in place for future elections. Democrats vs. the left in Colorado: The state’s Democratic primaries continue to fuel a national fight over how far left the party is shifting, with progressive wins and fallout from high-profile upsets. Crypto money in Colorado races: A Ripple-linked PAC backed Manny Rutinel in Colorado’s 8th District Democratic primary, putting another spotlight on crypto-linked political spending ahead of November. School phones policy: Colorado’s largest districts are mostly taking softer approaches than strict “bell-to-bell” bans, even as research suggests distance from devices matters for outcomes. Health & courts: Transgender patients and families are seeking contempt against Children’s Hospital Colorado over delays in resuming gender-affirming care after court orders. Federal voting fight: A federal judge halted Trump administration plans to change postal service ballot processing, keeping the focus on mail-ballot access. Wildfire risk & July 4: Extreme fire danger is driving fireworks bans and travel cautions across parts of the West, including Colorado.

Colorado gun & LGBTQ updates for July 1: New state laws kick in today, including raising the retail/mail-order ammunition purchase age to 21 (with an 18+ exception for firing ranges) and banning 3D-printed guns and components. Primary recount watch: Colorado’s GOP governor race between Barb Kirkmeyer and Victor Marx tightened to within mandatory recount territory, as counties keep counting and voters can “cure” rejected ballots through July 8. Democratic insurgency hits Denver: Melat Kiros upset Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary, underscoring a leftward shift and weakening of long-held establishment clout. Ballot counting still underway: Several House races remain too close to call, with progressive and traditional candidates trading wins as counties process tens of thousands of ballots. Wildfire + holiday travel: Red Flag Warnings persist in Western Colorado, with new Aspen Acres evacuations and widespread fire restrictions; CDOT warns of heavy July 4 traffic and urges drivers to plan around closures. Fourth of July safety: Colorado State Patrol ramps up DUI enforcement through July 7. Local governance: Littleton adopted a single-stair ordinance to enable certain apartment builds with one staircase. Supreme Court ripple: The court struck down limits on coordinated party spending, reshaping how federal campaigns can raise and spend money.

Colorado Primary Shockwaves: Democratic socialist Melat Kiros ousted longtime Rep. Diana DeGette in Denver’s CD1, signaling a leftward shift in the state’s Democratic coalition. Statehouse & Elections: Colorado county clerk offices warned that close races may not be decided until late Tuesday as ballots keep arriving, with results unofficial until certification. Campaign Finance Overhaul: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down limits on political party spending in federal elections, a change that could reshape how Colorado races are funded going into November. Sports & Rights: The Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports, keeping the issue front and center for Colorado voters and lawmakers. Federal Court Fight: The DOJ is pursuing nationwide litigation over state and local policies restricting federal officers from wearing face masks. Local Governance: Denver’s Xcel franchise renewal cleared an early City Council hurdle, advancing a long-running debate over utility fees, undergrounding, and neighborhood impacts.

Colorado Primary Election: With polls closing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Colorado voters are dropping off ballots amid wildfire smoke and evacuations, and election officials say most voting centers and drop boxes remain open, including emergency online voting options in Ouray County. Democratic vs. insurgent fight: The state’s Democratic primary is a key test of the party’s direction, with Rep. Diana DeGette facing Melot Kiros and Sen. Michael Bennet battling AG Phil Weiser for governor. Election logistics: The Secretary of State says voters can still drop ballots statewide (and find centers/drop boxes online), while Denver Clerk Paul Lopez urged turnout as the “finish line” nears. DMV crackdown: Colorado DMV warned drivers about fake “print-at-home” temporary license plates, saying counterfeit tags can lead to seizure, fines, and jail. Public safety/holiday rules: Ahead of July 4, many Colorado mountain communities are banning fireworks, including sparklers, due to drought and extreme fire danger. State government staffing: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston named Dave LaPorte interim CEO of Denver International Airport.

Colorado Primaries: Tuesday’s Colorado Democratic primaries could reshape the party’s direction, with progressive insurgents pressing veteran incumbents—most notably Rep. Diana DeGette facing democratic socialist Melat Kiros in the 1st District, and Sen. John Hickenlooper challenged from the left by state Sen. Julie Gonzales, while Gov. Jared Polis’ term-limited seat pits Sen. Michael Bennet against AG Phil Weiser. Party Rift: Jewish groups in Colorado are raising alarms about Kiros’ rhetoric on Israel and how it fits with pluralistic leadership. Denver Governance: Denver City Council adopted a sentencing reform ordinance for low-level municipal offenses, cutting maximum penalties for minor conduct and creating a working group to align municipal code with state law. Wildfire & Fireworks: With wildfires burning across the West, officials are urging restraint on fireworks for the Fourth, after deadly blazes including firefighters killed on the Colorado-Utah border. Health Policy Fight: Democratic-led states sued over new Medicaid work requirements, challenging a narrower “medically frail” exemption. Courts & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a Republican challenge to limits on coordinated campaign spending, a key test for election spending rules.

Democratic primary showdown (CD1): Colorado’s 1st Congressional District race is getting sharper as Rep. Diana DeGette faces progressive challengers Melat Kiros and Wanda James, with DeGette accusing Kiros of “lying” over venue cancellations and the contest framed as a generational change test. State courts on redistricting: The Colorado Supreme Court struck down ballot measures that would have let voters bypass the independent redistricting commission for 2028 and 2030, dealing another blow to Democrats’ efforts to reshape congressional maps. Title IX fight in Jeffco: A Jeffco Title IX case hinges on a federal count of “male” roster spots that, according to a Letter of Findings, was based on self-reported gender identity rather than biological sex—raising questions about how OCR built its enforcement case. Energy and public lands: Routt County commissioners warned a proposed federal oil-and-gas lease sale covering nearly 14,000 acres of national forest land north of Hayden could be the biggest extractive push in their lifetimes, while the Interior Department moves to loosen BLM oil-and-gas leasing rules amid environmental group concerns. Wildfire politics and safety: Grand Junction postponed its July 4 fireworks out of respect for three firefighters killed fighting the Snyder Fire, as officials continue managing closures and resources across the Western Slope. Public health and justice: The Colorado Supreme Court upheld child abuse convictions despite faulty jury instructions, and Mesa County received a state grant to offset medication-assisted treatment costs for opioid use disorder in the detention facility.

Wildfire Tragedy: Three wildland firefighters died and two were injured battling the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado–Utah border; Gov. Jared Polis declared a state of emergency and authorized the Colorado National Guard for recovery. Election Countdown: Colorado counties are setting staggered schedules for first unofficial results after polls close Tuesday, with officials stressing counting continues well past Election Day. Education & School Funding: After a shuttered “public Christian school” closed under state law changes, its leader is pitching a new nonprofit to oversee homeschool enrichment programs using public funding. Colorado River Fight: A major tribal water settlement is being blocked by Upper Basin states over provisions that would allow Navajo and Hopi leasing outside reservations, keeping the long-running water-rights dispute in play. Primary Politics Watch: In Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, Hispanic voters are central to one of the nation’s most competitive races as campaigns target turnout. Public Safety & Housing: States are loosening fire-code and building-code rules to cut costs, but critics warn safety risks could rise.

Wildfire Tragedy on the CO-UT Border: Three firefighters died and two were injured while responding to fast-moving Knowles and Gore fires that merged into the Snyder Fire, with burnover conditions reported near the Colorado-Utah line. Election Rules Fight: The Trump administration’s push to change how elections are run hit repeated setbacks, with courts blocking parts of the effort and critics warning it could confuse voters and fuel disputes. Youth Voting in Colorado: Ahead of the state primary, MSU Denver students are urging higher turnout among younger voters, pointing to convenience like campus ballot drop boxes while noting youth participation has historically lagged. Wildlife vs. Ranch Fence: Locals and wildlife experts say an 8-foot, 20-mile barbed-wire fence on a southern Colorado ranch is restricting elk and deer movement and degrading habitat, renewing pressure to modify or remove it. Fourth of July Safety: South Metro Fire Rescue is warning fireworks can quickly turn into emergencies, citing last year’s surge of dozens of fires in just hours. Nonprofit Shake-Up: United Way of Weld County is restructuring amid funding pressure, cutting some roles as it shifts toward a collective-impact “backbone” model. Local Government & Transit Disruption: Pasadena’s Metro BRT construction is closing and relocating bus stops along major corridors through summer and into fall. Defense Spending: Lockheed Martin won a $2.2B contract for F-35 air systems maintenance and fleet support, with work centered in Fort Worth.

SNAP Fight: A federal judge blocked Colorado’s plan to restrict soda and candy purchases with food stamps, saying the USDA can’t rewrite SNAP rules set by Congress. Higher Ed Costs: A Chalkbeat report finds Colorado public college tuition and fees have surged nearly 125% since the Great Recession, driven by shrinking state and federal support and lawmakers allowing tuition hikes. Democratic Civil War: CNN reports progressives are eyeing Colorado’s 1st Congressional District next, with democratic socialist challenger Melat Kiros using New York momentum as a test case. Ranked Choice Voting: A Colorado op-ed argues the attorney general primary shows why ranked choice voting matters, warning voters may not get their top choice when crowded fields split support. Colorado River Gridlock: Negotiations among basin states fell apart again, leaving no framework as deadlines near. Wildfire/Storm Aftermath: Severe storms left flooding damage across parts of Colorado, and officials warn extreme heat could raise fire risk. Local Elections: A look at El Paso County commissioner primaries highlights heavy fundraising and developer-linked donors.

Nuggets Contract Watch: Nikola Jokić is reportedly considering skipping a 2026 extension, keeping Denver’s title plans in limbo as free agency edges closer. Local Public Safety: Weld County deputies arrested Gregory Medina after a disturbance near Kersey escalated into alleged threats and an attack on deputies; in Centennial, deputies shot and killed a man after he allegedly struck officers with a metal pole. Crime & Accountability: Jefferson County District Attorney Monica Hall announced a plan to build a public crime statistics database with university partners. Housing & Regional Planning: Aspen and Pitkin County reviewed a regional housing needs assessment tied to state affordable-housing funding, aiming to coordinate solutions across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Elections & Governance: A Colorado Supreme Court-related debate over gerrymandering momentum is drawing attention as Democrats push ahead. Community & Culture: A new Anythink Nature library in Thornton blends books with outdoor education, while Colorado Springs police issued a shelter-in-place order for a neighborhood east of downtown during a shooting search.

Denver City Council & Public Safety: Council will consider Monday a sentencing reform measure aimed at decriminalizing low-level municipal offenses, plus a charter amendment on the Auditor’s Office enforcing workplace-rights laws. K-12 & Civil Rights: Jeffco Public Schools faces a 10-day federal deadline over alleged Title IX violations tied to transgender students’ access to sports and facilities, with the district preparing for court. Elections & Voting Rights: Republicans sued Colorado over overseas voters’ ballots, as courts continue to weigh federal attempts to control mail voting and voter lists. Housing & Permitting: A Denver modular affordable housing project highlights faster construction, while national debate continues over permitting reform that critics say is too slow to meet energy and infrastructure needs. Public Health & SNAP: A federal ruling blocks Colorado and other states from restricting SNAP purchases of soda, keeping a major sugar source in the program. Energy Grid Fight: Elbert County sued to challenge Xcel’s preferred transmission-line route, arguing local impacts and wildfire risk weren’t adequately weighed. Wildfire Season: Western fire danger remains high, with officials warning conditions could worsen.

Education & Federal Funding: The Trump administration gave Jefferson County Public Schools 10 days to change transgender student policies or risk losing more than $90 million in federal funding, after a Title IX finding over bathroom use, sports participation and overnight accommodations. Elections & Voting Rights: Republicans sued Colorado over guidance that lets some overseas U.S. citizens vote in state elections without having lived in Colorado, arguing residency can’t be inherited. Public Health: Larimer County confirmed its first human West Nile virus case this year; officials say mosquito surveillance is ongoing and residents should start protecting themselves now. Immigration & Courts: A federal judge in Colorado said the government’s unusual decision not to argue against immigration detention challenges supports bond-hearing access for people in custody. SNAP Policy: A federal court blocked SNAP food restriction waivers in five states, ruling USDA exceeded its authority by changing what counts as eligible foods. Local Energy/Environment: Chaffee County won a $1.25 million Colorado Energy Office grant to expand waste diversion and efficiency upgrades in municipal facilities. Military/Defense: Colorado National Guard integrated rocket launchers into an active-duty digital targeting network during Ivy Mass 2026.

Mail-voting fight in court: A federal judge blocked Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting mail voting and forcing states to provide voter lists, ruling the president can’t rewrite election rules—meaning Colorado’s ballot process won’t have to change on the fly. Local election lawsuit: Voting-rights groups sued Colorado Springs over when the city holds municipal elections, arguing spring-only timing suppresses turnout for Black and Hispanic voters under the state Voting Rights Act. Gubernatorial primary stakes: Colorado AG Phil Weiser made a final Grand Junction pitch ahead of the Democratic governor primary, framing his record as protecting Colorado’s election authority from federal overreach. Rock climbing policy: Federal land managers released draft guidance that keeps long-established climbing routes and allows fixed anchors, responding to years of debate over safety versus “leave no trace.” Public safety and accountability: Glenwood Springs officials are facing backlash after a permit revocation tied to an ICE detention facility, with critics saying the city should enforce its own codes. Criminal justice: A judge sentenced a former STEM School Highlands Ranch student to life without parole for the 2019 shooting, citing lack of remorse and harm to the community. SNAP ruling: A federal court struck down SNAP restrictions in multiple states, including Colorado-targeted pilots, potentially reshaping what families can buy with benefits.

Wildfire funding delay: Colorado is still waiting on about $50 million in FEMA hazard-mitigation money, leaving 13 projects stalled or unfinished as officials warn the state could enter a risky wildfire season less prepared. Local government & elections: Boulder County Commissioners weighed 2026 ballot measures, opposing tougher human-trafficking penalties and a sports policy tied to transgender participation, while supporting a graduated income tax. Schools and federal civil rights fight: Jeffco Schools authorized potential lawsuits after the federal Office for Civil Rights raised Title IX concerns tied to student participation in sports and field trips. Congressional gridlock: House Republicans canceled Friday votes after GOP holdouts tied progress on the SAVE America Act to broader floor action. Voting-by-mail legal battle: Courts blocked key parts of a Trump effort to federalize election administration and restrict mail voting, with senators again pressing USPS to abandon the rule. Colorado River pressure: Lake Powell is projected to hit “minimum power pool” next spring, raising the specter of power shortfalls and “dead pool” risk. Public transit: RTD is bringing back BroncosRide bus service for the 2026 season after a five-year pause. Local infrastructure: Timberline Fire Protection District held a grand opening for Fire Station 3 near Rollinsville.

Latino Voters in Colorado’s 8th: A Reuters look at Commerce City finds Latino voters pulled between economic frustration and immigration anger, with the district’s 2026 Democratic primary set to decide who challenges GOP Rep. Gabe Evans. SNAP Soda Ban Blocked: A federal judge ruling means the planned Aug. 1 SNAP restriction on soda and candy won’t take effect in Colorado (along with Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia), setting up a broader legal fight over “junk food” limits. Colorado River Drought Pressure: Reporting from the headwaters shows the Colorado River’s source is drying up, shrinking the lifeline for millions and intensifying pressure on states and water users. Data Centers vs. Power Costs: A new bipartisan “Ratepayer Protection Act” would require data-center operators to cover energy and grid upgrade costs instead of shifting the bill to residents, with Colorado Rep. Gabe Evans backing the effort. Local Politics & Governance: Fountain coffee shop owners highlight downtown revitalization; and Walsenburg’s city administrator resignation triggers another interim leadership scramble.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Colorado local governments are moving fast to curb new data center growth after backlash over electricity demand, pollution, and tax breaks—Denver, Jefferson County, and Longmont have adopted moratoriums, while Routt County says its zoning code effectively prohibits data centers. Local Protest: Colorado Springs residents rallied against a proposed AI data center near Garden of the Gods, citing noise, water use, and utility-rate concerns. Utilities Planning: Colorado Springs Utilities CEO Travas Deal outlined an electric resource plan that leans on renewables short-term and keeps nuclear power as a long-term option. Education & Budgets: Jeffco approved a $1.41 billion budget and a teacher pay deal, assuming a November mill levy override; one board member voted no over spending based on hoped-for revenue. Courts & Voting: A federal judge permanently blocked key parts of a Trump elections executive order, including proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting. SNAP Rules: A judge blocked USDA approval of state waivers restricting SNAP purchases of soda and candy, a move that could complicate similar efforts elsewhere. Ballot Watch: Restore Our Roads qualified for Colorado’s November ballot, aiming to require road spending of vehicle and fuel tax revenue.