​​Colorado Democratic Party Announces 2026 Challengers Class

DENVER - The Colorado Democratic Party today announced the 18 Democratic candidates selected for its2026 Challengers program, which provides campaign training, fundraising support and direct assistance to candidates running in deep-red Republican-held legislative districts across Colorado.

The program helps candidates build stronger campaigns through regular trainings, fundraising assistance and biweekly office hours with Colorado Democratic Party staff. It also reflects the party's long-term commitment to competing in every corner of Colorado and building Democratic infrastructure in communities that have too often been left uncontested.

"If we run everywhere, we can compete anywhere," said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib. "The Challengers program is about showing up, earning voters' trust and building stronger Democratic campaigns in every part of Colorado. These candidates are doing the hard work of organizing their communities today so we can compete for these districts tomorrow."

Candidates in the Challengers program join a coordinated effort to support state legislative candidates, including CDP's Democratic Senate Campaign Fund and the House Majority Project, which both focus on electing Democrats in the most hotly-contested battleground districts in the state.

The 2026 Challengers class includes:

Colorado House

• House District 14: Sarah Emery

• House District 15: Jeff Livingston

• House District 21: Michelle Tweed

• House District 22: Michael Pierson

• House District 39: Christian Schilder

• House District 44: Richard Bowness

• House District 45: Michael Clarkson

• House District 47: Vic Meyers

• House District 48: Desarai "Dez" Packard

• House District 54: Mallory Martin

• House District 55: Brittni Packard

• House District 58: Alec Lindeman

• House District 60: Kathryn Green

• House District 64: Mo Dower

Colorado Senate

• Senate District 1: Jamie Jeffery

• Senate District 4: Justin Kurth

• Senate District 9: William Moses III

• Senate District 35: Duane Gurule

Throughout the election cycle, participants will receive dedicated and direct campaign support from the Colorado Democratic Party while working to expand the party's reach, strengthen local Democratic organizations and give voters a choice in districts that have long been represented by Republicans.

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