4 campaign finance numbers to know in Colorado's governor's race
Axios
Last updated: August 5, 2026
Colorado's gubernatorial race is characterized by significant campaign spending, with millions of dollars already expended and more anticipated before the November election. New campaign finance reports reveal the financial scale of the contest.
- The Republican candidate, Heidi Ganahl, has raised $1.7 million and spent $1.2 million.
- The Democratic incumbent, Jared Polis, has raised $20.7 million and spent $7.7 million.
- Polis's campaign has a substantial cash advantage, with $12.9 million remaining.
- Ganahl's campaign has $432,000 in reserve.
- The total combined spending from both campaigns is $8.9 million.
- The total combined raised by both campaigns is $22.4 million.
- Independent candidate Karen "Kay" Kirkpatrick has raised $2,800 and spent $4,000, resulting in a deficit of $1,200.
- Third-party groups are also contributing to the financial landscape of the race.
- The Colorado Republican Party has spent $2.5 million.
- The Colorado Democratic Party has spent $454,000.
- A significant portion of the spending comes from outside groups.
- The Conservative Voice Colorado, a Super PAC, has spent $3.1 million.
- The Democratic Governors Association has spent $500,000.
- Colorado Citizens for the Arts has spent $275,000.
- The ongoing financial activity suggests a competitive and well-funded election.
