Colorado Republicans are investing more than $1.6 million to defend a state Senate district in Douglas County, an apparent effort to prevent Democrats from securing a legislative supermajority at the Colorado Capitol. Democrats are currently one House and one Senate seat shy of achieving their first bicameral supermajority, which would grant them the power to override gubernatorial vetoes and place constitutional amendments on the ballot without Republican support.
Despite the proximity to a supermajority, Democratic groups have shown significantly less spending in crucial competitive races. As of October 10, Republican state super PACs had spent approximately $6.7 million across three competitive Senate and House races in Pueblo, Highlands Ranch, and Loveland. This figure is more than four times what Democratic groups had spent in the same races. Specifically, in Senate District 30 in Douglas County, where a Senate supermajority could be decided, Democratic groups had spent no money to oppose GOP Sen. John Carson.
For Republicans, the prospect of a Democratic supermajority represents a "worst case scenario" and a significant blow to a party facing increasing irrelevance, according to Republican operative Daniel Cole. Cole, who manages major GOP spending in state Senate races, stated that a supermajority would "signal that Colorado’s transition from a purple state to a blue one is largely cemented." He noted that the message about a lopsided government and its consequences is now resonating more effectively with voters.
However, a supermajority may not be universally desired by Democrats. Such a majority could weaken the next governor, likely Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser, and compel legislative Democrats to address difficult policy questions that they have previously avoided by using the threat of vetoes from Governor Jared Polis as a shield.
Senate District 30, encompassing the northeast part of Douglas County including Highlands Ranch, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, and Roxborough Park, has been a Republican stronghold for at least 15 years. The district's population is characterized as older, whiter, and wealthier than the average Coloradan. This Republican dominance persists despite Democratic presidential candidates winning in the district in 2020 and 2024.
GOP Sen. John Carson, of Highlands Ranch, was appointed to the Senate District 30 seat in 2025. Carson, a lawyer with experience on the Douglas County school board and the University of Colorado Board of Regents, describes the district as purple. He is campaigning for a full term, focusing on lowering taxes and increasing penalties for drunk drivers. He highlights his legislative record, which includes passing bipartisan bills to protect children from AI chatbots and enhance penalties for drivers causing fatal crashes. Carson expressed confidence in his positions, stating he feels "good about" them. A supporter, Renee Anderson of Highlands Ranch, praised Carson's calm demeanor, describing him as "reasonable" and "one of the kindest people and not afraid of difficult conversations." Carson's campaign has spent just over $31,000.
Republican groups have poured over $1.6 million into the race to support Carson and oppose his Democratic challenger, Kevin Leung. This level of spending exceeds what some statewide major-party candidates have seen spent on their behalf this year. The Senate Majority Fund alone has spent over $1 million in the race, complemented by more than $270,000 from Lower Energy Costs Colorado, and over $190,000 from the Republican State Leadership Committee. Notable contributors to the Senate Majority Fund since August include GOPAC, the Anschutz Corporation, Xcel Energy, Amazon, and Chevron.
Kevin Leung, a Castle Pines businessman, is the Democratic challenger. He previously served on the Douglas County Public Schools board and the South Metro Fire Rescue Board. Leung identifies as a moderate, having transitioned from a "never-Trump Republican" to a Democrat in 2020. His campaign has spent over $70,000. Leung is undecided on Amendment 87, a graduated income tax ballot question, but supports Proposition NN, which would reallocate Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refunds for K-12 public schools and early childhood programs for at least a decade. Leung owns Magic Rabbit car washes in several locations and works as a computer scientist. He emphasizes his connection to small businesses and the "average person," teachers, and students. State Sen. Robert Rodriguez of Denver noted that his group, the Democratic Senate Campaign Fund, recruited Leung to run. Rodriguez suggested that the substantial Republican spending indicates concern about the seat possibly flipping.
Democrats believe Senate District 30 is competitive, citing Vice President Kamala Harris’s win in the district in 2024, voters' rejection of a home rule charter petition, and a sweep by progressive candidates in the Douglas County school board election last year. However, Democratic groups have not spent any money to support Leung's campaign so far. Senate President James Coleman of Denver, an advisor to the Democratic spending group All Together Colorado, stated that their primary focus is protecting incumbents and supporting candidates aiming to flip seats, adding that there is still time for funding to be allocated. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, a national group, lists Leung as a priority candidate but has not spent money in his or other competitive districts.
The spending disparity is also evident in a House race in Highlands Ranch, where Republican groups have spent over $760,000 to back Nate Marsh, while Democratic groups have spent nothing in support of incumbent state Rep. Bob Marshall.
