Outside groups are ramping up spending to influence voters in the final weeks before the Nov. 5 election, with expenditures exceeding $5.3 million. Independent expenditure committees, which can take unlimited contributions, are pouring money into key races across the state. One committee, led by a well-known GOP figure, made an illegal contribution to a candidate’s campaign.
In the hottest races, independent groups are backing candidates with significant financial support. Republicans are receiving substantial help from the Senate Majority Fund, with large contributions from entities such as GOPAC and the oil and gas industry. Democrats are also benefitting from a surge in funding, with the Sixteen Thirty Fund contributing millions to support their candidates.
The races on the Western Slope and in Colorado Springs are particularly contested, with outside money flowing in to push candidates over the finish line. In Senate District 5, both candidates are neck and neck in fundraising, but outside funding heavily favors the Republican. The same trend is seen in Senate District 6, where incumbent Republican Senator Cleave Simpson is receiving substantial support from independent groups.
Overall, outside spending is reaching unprecedented levels, with some races seeing over $1 million in support for one candidate. The influx of money from special interest groups and dark-money organizations is shaping the outcome of key races across Colorado. As the election draws near, the battle for control of the state House and Senate is intensifying, with big spending likely to play a crucial role in determining the winners.
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