Murib: A path forward for Democrats

In 2024, pundits called Colorado a “blue island in a red wave.” Colorado saw 30 counties, including GOP strongholds, shift towards Democrats. Our year-round organizing programs achieved large increases in voter turnout in key districts. Democrats maintained majorities in the state legislature, on the CU Board of Regents, and on the State Board of Education. Colorado Democrats even enjoy a double-digit lead in approval ratings over our national counterparts.

But, the fact remains: Democrats suffered setbacks and we would be foolish to ignore clear warning signs. Like every other state, Colorado voter turnout dipped and key races were won and lost by some of the tightest margins in the country.

A majority of Americans view Republicans as representing the interests of the working class and poor while Democrats represent elites. We know this isn’t true, especially given the GOP’s pursuit of tax cuts, handouts for the ultrawealthy, and tariff wars that drive up costs all while slashing federal funding for things like school lunches, veteran health services, and grants that drive small business growth and job creation. Tech billionaires who control social media channels and large newspapers are also bending the knee for Donald Trump, reminding us of the importance of local media.

As chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, I want to offer Democrats a path forward.

Voters need us to acknowledge that the rich got richer and wage earners haven’t gotten a meaningful raise in decades, all at the same time that the cost of living has exploded. We’re all paying too much for gas, groceries, housing and child care, and giant corporations price gouge us at every turn. Democrats believe in strengthening the right to unionize, making sure the richest among us pay their fair share, holding irresponsible megacorporations accountable, and putting working people first by incentivizing companies to invest in bigger paychecks, not stock dividends — the times call for boldness on these issues.

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