06/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/06/2026 21:31
DENVER - Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear delivered the keynote address at the Colorado Democratic Party's 9th Annual Obama Gala Dinner tonight, energizing a crowd of party leaders, elected officials, organizers and grassroots supporters from across Colorado gathered at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
In his remarks, Beshear spoke about the stakes of the 2026 election, the need to elect Democrats up and down the ballot and the importance of steady, values-driven leadership that improves people's lives. He praised Colorado Democrats for building a strong, competitive party and urged Democrats to stay focused on winning back power in Congress, protecting fundamental freedoms and electing leaders who put working families first.
"Colorado Democrats know how to win tough races: by showing up everywhere, listening to people and fighting for the common good," Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said. "I'm grateful to stand with them as they work to elect good people up and down the ballot and build a future where every family can thrive."
Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib praised Beshear's remarks and said the evening showed the strength and unity of Colorado Democrats heading into a critical election cycle.
"Governor Beshear reminded us what Democratic leadership is supposed to look like: steady, focused and rooted in making people's lives better," Murib said. "Tonight showed that Colorado Democrats are ready for the fights ahead. We're building the strongest party operation we've ever had, competing in every corner of the state and organizing to win races up and down the ballot in 2026."
The 9th Annual Obama Gala followed DemFest 2026, the Colorado Democratic Party's largest grassroots organizing event of the year. More than 1,500 Democrats gathered earlier in the day for candidate forums, fireside chats, organizing conversations and issue-focused programming ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
The evening also honored Democratic leaders and volunteers helping build the party's future, including Congressman Joe Neguse as Democrat of the Year, Pueblo County Democratic Party Vice Chair and Colorado Young Democrats Vice President Sydney Haney with the Murphy Roberts Rising Star Award, Douglas County Democratic Party Chair Meg Furlow as Volunteer of the Year and Colorado Treasurer Dave Young with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
A recording of Beshear's remarks will be made available upon request.
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