The 2018 Colorado gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2018, to elect the next governor of Colorado. Incumbent Democratic governor John Hickenlooper was term-limited and could not seek a third consecutive term. The primary election was held on June 26.[1]
The major party nominees were Democratic U.S. Representative Jared Polis and Republican State Treasurer Walker Stapleton. The general election took place on November 6, 2018, with Polis winning by 268,000 votes.[2][3] This was the first Colorado gubernatorial election in which both major party candidates received over one million votes.
Polis's victory marked the fourth straight election in which Colorado elected a Democratic governor and the first time in American electoral history that an openly gay politician was elected governor of a state.
Democratic primary
With Hickenlooper ineligible to run for a third term in office, multiple Democratic politicians vied for the party's nomination for governor. Prior to his resignation in 2015, former lieutenant governor Joseph Garcia was seen as a probable candidate for governor in 2018.[4]
Steve Lebsock, State Representative (was running for State Treasurer before switching to the Republican Party, thus disqualifying him from the Democratic Primary)[14][15][16][17]
On March 6, 2018, Democrats of precincts across Colorado met and voted how many delegates each candidate who was caucusing on the ballot would get. As of March 11, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., 96.83% of precincts had reported and added up to the below results.[25]
Based on information shared by some key counties, as well as a recent survey, the following are believed to be results of the Republican Caucus from key counties.[66]
Bill Hammons (Unity Party of America), insurance agent, chairman and founder of the Unity Party of America, and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and 2016[71]
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^ a b"Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia to step down for higher education role". The Denver Post. November 10, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
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^Nicholas Riccardi (January 16, 2017). "Mike Johnston to announce run for Colorado governor in 2018". Associated Press. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
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^Luning, Ernest (March 23, 2017). "Cary Kennedy says she's 'considering' run for governor as Dems salute Salazar". The Colorado Statesman. Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
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^Njegomir, Dan (January 31, 2017). "Whaddya know: Steve Lebsock really IS interested in the governor's race". ColoradoPolitics.com. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
^Marcus, Peter (March 25, 2017). "Rep. Steve Lebsock announces run for state treasurer". ColoradoPolitics.com. Archived from the original on March 26, 2017. Retrieved March 26, 2017.
^"Former Rep. Steve Lebsock's decision to join GOP likely disqualifies him from treasurer's race". Archived from the original on April 3, 2018. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
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^Njegomir, Dan (December 12, 2016). "Colorado's own Bernie Sanders mulls a run for governor". The Gazette. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
^Luning, Ernest (April 9, 2017). "Congressman Ed Perlmutter officially declares he's running for governor of Colorado". The Colorado Statesman. Archived from the original on April 11, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
^Marcus, Peter (March 23, 2017). "Ed Perlmutter expected to announce a run for governor". ColoradoPolitics.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
^Matthews, Mark K. (June 13, 2017). "Joe Neguse declares run for Jared Polis' seat in Congress". The Denver Post. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
^Goodland, Marianne (March 10, 2017). "Rep. Joe Salazar rules out run for governor for a shot at attorney general". The Colorado Independent. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
^Salazar, Ken (March 22, 2017). "Why I'm not running for Colorado governor in 2018". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
^"Caucus Results". Colorado Democratic Party. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
^ a bLuning, Ernest (March 6, 2018). "Civil rights legend John Lewis endorses gubernatorial candidate Jared Polis as Democrats head to caucus". coloradopolitics.com. Retrieved March 11, 2018.
^ a b c"Salazar endorses Kennedy, Schroeder endorses Polis, Lynne hits airwaves". May 1, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
^Luning, Ernest (August 9, 2017). "Gary Hart endorses Democrat Mike Johnston in Colorado's gubernatorial primary". Colorado Politics. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
^"Gov. Dick Lamm Endorses Mike Johnston, Democratic Candidate for Governor". February 10, 2018. Archived from the original on February 27, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
^ a bLuning, Ernest (August 3, 2017). "Wellington and Wilma Webb endorse Democrat Mike Johnston for governor". Colorado Politics. Retrieved August 10, 2017.
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^"Johnston for Dems".
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y zLuning, Ernest (October 18, 2017). "Dozens of officials, civic luminaries back Democrat Cary Kennedy in her run for Colorado governor". Colorado Politics. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
^Mesmer, Sarah (January 31, 2018). "Cary Kennedy Lands Major CEA/AFT Endorsement - Colorado Pols". Colorado Pols.
^Dallman, Kerrie (January 31, 2018). "CEA endorses Cary Kennedy for Colorado Governor in 2018 | Colorado Education Association". Colorado EA. Colorado Education Association. Archived from the original on April 24, 2018. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
^Vairma, Steve (April 4, 2018). "Teamsters Local 455 Endorses Cary Kennedy for Colorado Governor". Teamsters.
^Lentz, Ron (January 24, 2018). "Cary Kennedy lands endorsements from union, renowned nature photographer - Colorado Politics". Colorado Politics. Ernest Luning.
^Brown, Cory (February 17, 2018). "Steelworkers back Democrat Cary Kennedy for governor of Colorado - Colorado Politics". Colorado Politics. Ernest Luning.
^Luning, Ernest (June 7, 2017). "Emily's List endorses Democrat Cary Kennedy for Colorado's 2018 gubernatorial race". ColoradoPolitics.com. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
^Bunch, Joey (May 19, 2017). "Perlmutter picks up key endorsement in Colorado governor's race: Pipefitters". ColoradoPolitics.com. Retrieved June 11, 2017.
^Noel Ginsburg* 2%. *Withdrawn.
^ a b"CO-Election Night Reporting". Colorado Secretary of State. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
^Bunch, Joey (September 23, 2017). "It's official: Walker Stapleton joins the race for Colorado governor". Colorado Politics. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
^"Greg Lopez for Governor". Retrieved June 17, 2018.
^Bunch, Joey. Republican Victor Mitchell is officially in the race for Colorado governor. ColoradoPolitics.com, February 14, 2017. Retrieved: 2017-02-14.
^Luning, Ernest (April 26, 2018). "Doug Robinson is on the ballot in GOP gubernatorial primary". ColoradoPolitics. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
^ a b c dLuning, Ernest (April 14, 2018). "RESULTS: Stapleton, Lopez win spots in GOP gubernatorial primary". Colorado Politics. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
^Frank, John (April 5, 2017). "Republican George Brauchler announces bid for Colorado governor in 2018". The Denver Post. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
^Fender, Jessica (January 5, 2013). "George Brauchler, new DA in Colorado's 18th Judicial District". The Denver Post. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
^Lauricello, Ann (November 13, 2017). "George Brauchler announces drops out of governor's race". Fox 31 Denver website. Retrieved November 13, 2017.
^@JimRundberg (April 8, 2018). "The Lord Jesus has redirected me. I am now a Presidential Candidate for 2020!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^Luning, Ernest (August 28, 2017). "Former Republican gubernatorial candidate JoAnne Silva endorses George Brauchler". Colorado Politics. Retrieved August 29, 2017.
^"Tom Tancredo Makes Colorado Gubernatorial Run Official". Retrieved October 31, 2017.
^"Tom Tancredo Withdraws From Governor's Race". CBS4 Denver. January 30, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
^Marcus, Peter (December 12, 2016). "Would Elway run for governor? Or, is it just not his game?". ColoradoPolitics.com. Retrieved January 2, 2017.
^Rittiman, Brandon; Klis, Mike (January 2, 2017). "Elway: 'I'm not running for governor'". KUSA. Retrieved January 2, 2017.[permanent dead link]
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^Marcus, Peter (April 1, 2017). "Colorado Spring's state Sen. Owen Hill to challenge U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn in 5th Congressional District". ColoradoPolitics.com. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
^Marcus, Peter (December 1, 2016). "Run for guv? Stay put? GOP chief to decide in first half of January". ColoradoPolitics.com. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
^Frank, John (January 23, 2017). "Colorado GOP chairman Steve House won't seek second term after tumultuous tenure". The Denver Post. Retrieved March 9, 2017.
^Matthews, Mark K. (July 24, 2017). "DaVita CEO Kent Thiry says he won't run for Colorado governor". The Denver Post.
^Hutchins, Corey (March 27, 2017). "An early look at the 2018 Republican race for Colorado governor". The Colorado Independent. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
^Luning, Ernest (October 20, 2017). "'I've been battle-tested': Republican Brian Watson jumps in crowded primary for Colorado state treasurer". Colorado Politics. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
^Nicholson, Kieran (July 26, 2017). "Rocker Ted Nugent endorses George Brauchler for Colorado governor". The Denver Post. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
^Joey Bunch (November 20, 2017). "Commentator Michelle Malkin throws support to Colorado gubernatorial candidate Tom Tancredo".
^"35 unaffiliated, RTD candidates file for Colorado ballot". July 12, 2018.
^"Marcus Giavanni for Governor". Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
^"Candidates already lining up for 2018 governor's race". Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 16, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
^"Libertarian candidate for Colorado governor Scott Helker has eye on future races". Colorado Politics. January 23, 2018. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
^"Candidates". Retrieved May 22, 2018.
^"2018 Governor Race Ratings for October 26, 2018". The Cook Political Report. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
^"The Washington Post's gubernatorial race ratings". The Washington Post. October 16, 2018.
^"2018 Governor Forecast | FiveThirtyEight". FiveThirtyEight. October 17, 2018. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
^"2018 Governor Elections: As November Nears, More Governors' Races Become Tossups". www.governing.com. Archived from the original on October 21, 2018. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
^@PolisForCO (June 29, 2018). ""Jared Polis will be a fantastic governor for the state of Colorado and I'm proud to endorse him. As an entrepreneu…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@PolisForCO (July 1, 2018). ""Healthcare. Environment & wilderness. All of the issues we care about…That's why we're here…It's about having a go…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^Barack Obama [@BarackObama] (August 1, 2018). "Today I'm proud to endorse such a wide and impressive array of Democratic candidates – leaders as diverse, patriotic, and big-hearted as the America they're running to represent:" (Tweet). Retrieved August 1, 2018 – via Twitter.
^@Ed4Colorado (June 29, 2018). "Let's get to work electing @jaredpolis as our next Governor!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@PolisForCO (July 1, 2018). ""We need to make sure that we come together as an inclusive Colorado: Democrats, Independents, Republicans, rural,…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^Thomas, Ken (October 9, 2018). "Sanders barnstorming country ahead of midterm elections". Associated Press. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
^@Hickenlooper (June 30, 2018). "Heck of a way to start the day after a long hard week of US news. Rallying with CO's next governor... Jared Polis!…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@DonnaLynneCO (June 27, 2018). "I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Jared Polis on his victory last night. We have had a hard fought race…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@MikeJohnstonCO (June 27, 2018). "Jared Polis is an entrepreneur for good. He has earned my respect and support. With tonight's results, I hope you w…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@crisantaduran (June 29, 2018). "Honored to stand w/ the next Governor of CO, @jaredpolis! Our state needs a leader w/ bold ideas who will deliver r…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@AlecGarnett (June 29, 2018). "We're all behind you @jaredpolis! #copolitics #coleg @Dan_Pabon @RepPerlmutter @GovofCO @KenSalazar @crisantaduran…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^"Jonathan Singer for House District 11". Facebook. Archived from the original on December 3, 2018. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
^@PolisForCO (June 30, 2018). ""As mayor of Denver, Colorado, I am proud to stand up with most Coloradans who believe that Colorado is heading in…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@JonMurray (September 4, 2018). "This morning @CaryKennedy is on the stump for @jaredpolis campaign for #cogov. With other Dems and activists, talki…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@jaredpolis (June 27, 2018). "Thank you for all the amazing congratulatory tweets! Onwards to November! Here's my favorite text I got tonight fro…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^Weiser, Phil [@pweiser] (July 3, 2018). "This is leadership. I look forward to working with @jaredpolis to develop innovative solutions to improve health care for all Coloradans" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^@GeorgeHWBush (June 27, 2018). "Happy to congratulate @WalkerStapleton on a terrific primary victory last night, and to join him in thanking those…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^Frank, John (February 14, 2018). "George W. Bush to headline Texas fundraiser for his cousin, Colorado's Walker Stapleton". The Denver Post. Retrieved February 16, 2018.
^Donald Trump. "Walker Stapleton is running as the highly respected Republican Candidate for Governor of the Great State of Colorado. His credentials and talents are impeccable. He has my complete and total Endorsement!". Twitter. Archived from the original on October 10, 2018.
^Joe St. George (October 19, 2018). "Vice President Pence speaks on Stapleton, missing journalist during Denver visit". Fox 31.
^Joe St. George (April 12, 2018). "Congressman Ken Buck endorses Walker Stapleton in governor's race". kdvr.com.
^"Congressman Mike Coffman Supports Walker Stapleton". Stapleton for Colorado. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
^"Senator Cory Gardner Endorses Walker Stapleton". Stapleton for Colorado. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
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^Luning, Ernest (April 11, 2018). "Tancredo endorses Stapleton in governor's race". Colorado Politics.
^"Congressman Scott Tipton Endorses Walker Stapleton". Stapleton for Colorado. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
^@JebBush (August 31, 2018). "Check out @WalkerStapleton's education agenda for Colorado #edreform" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^ a b"Colorado Republican Leaders Grantham and Neville Back Walker Stapleton". Stapleton for Colorado. Archived from the original on June 29, 2018. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
^"Victor Mitchell Puts Support Behind Walker Stapleton". KCNC-TV.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd beLuning, Ernst (March 5, 2018). "More than 50 county commissioners endorse Republican gubernatorial candidate Walker Stapleton". Colorado Politics. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
^@cologop (June 28, 2018). "Victor Mitchell, Greg Lopez, and Doug Robinson gave Walker Stapleton their unequivocal support in Arapahoe County t…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad"Stapleton wins endorsements from Republican district attorneys, sheriffs". Colorado Springs Gazette. June 11, 2018.
^@cologop (June 28, 2018). "In Arapahoe County, Doug Robinson offered @WalkerStapleton not only his unqualified support but a max contributio…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^Luning, Ernst (February 13, 2018). "Associated Builders and Contractors endorses Republican Walker Stapleton for governor". Colorado Politics. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
^"AFP-Colorado Endorses Walker Stapleton for Governor". Americans for Prosperity. September 12, 2018.
^Bunch, Joey (October 11, 2018). "Colorado auto dealers make first-ever endorsement: Walker Stapleton". Colorado Politics.
^Bunch, Joey (October 3, 2018). "Colorado Farm Bureau endorses Stapleton for governor". Colorado Politics.
^"NFIB Endorses Stapleton for Governor". NFIB. October 9, 2018.
^"Tribune Endorsement: Walker Stapleton is our pick for governor, but he must learn from office's current occupant". The Greeley Tribune. October 21, 2018.
^"Vote Stapleton for governor". Pueblo Chieftain. October 14, 2018.
^ a bBill Hammons (U) with 1%
^ a bBill Hammons (U) with 0%
^Williams, Wayne W. (December 6, 2018). Statewide Abstract of Votes Cast for the November 6, 2018 General Election (PDF). Denver, Colorado: Colorado Secretary of State.
^"Daily Kos Elections' statewide election results by congressional and legislative districts".