The 2018 General Election revealed a major blue wave throughout Colorado. Democrats swept all of Colorado’s statewide offices, including governor, Senate and House of Representatives.
At the national level, the U.S. House shifted majority from Republican to Democrat, though the U.S. Senate retains Republican control. Colorado’s U.S. House members also shifted from a majority of Republicans to a majority of Democrats, with Jason Crow taking Republican Rep. Mike Coffman’s 6th congressional district seat. Colorado’s U.S. Senators were not up for election this cycle and remain split, with one of each party affiliation. Joe Neguse, a Democrat from Colorado’s 2nd congressional district, is also new to the delegation – taking over Jared Polis’ former seat as the youngest member of the federal delegation.
At the state level, the Senate changed majority from a one-vote Republican majority to a 19D-16R split, which is a solid Democrat majority. The split Senate districts were all carried by the female Democrat candidates, including Sen. Tim Neville’s SD16 seat, which he lost to Democrat Tammy Story.
The Colorado House will remain Democrat controlled, and the Democrat majority will grow substantially. Democrats won 41 races to the Republicans 24, giving Democrats nearly a super-majority in the Colorado House. House Democrats picked up 5 seats, including HD25 (Rep. Tim Leonard’s former seat), HD27 (Rep. Lang Sias’ former seat), HD34 (Rep. Steve Lebsock’s former seat), HD37 (Rep. Cole Wist’s former seat) and HD47 (Rep. Clarice Navarro Ratlaff’s former seat). Vote counts in several races were close enough to require automatic recounts, but the current makeup is expected to hold.
Most statewide ballot initiatives failed. Among the sole survivors were revising ballot format for judges, updating the definition of hemp, redistricting, removing slavery, and payday lending reform – none of which have a direct impact on dentistry.
The Colorado Dental Political Action Committee (CODPAC) performed very well so far this cycle. CODPAC selected a winning candidate in 96% of the races it participated in, outperforming 2016 numbers.
CODPAC giving is a vital component of the CDA’s political success in recent years. We need your continued help and support to continue to develop these key relationships and influence policy for dentistry’s success! Please be sure to support CODPAC by making a contribution on your 2019 dues invoice. Or donate to CODPAC online today!