Colorado's 1876 state elections pit Democrat Thomas Patterson against Republican James Belford in a campaign driven by Civil War legacy, patronage networks and appeals to miners and farmers.
Trump refuses to rule out deploying the National Guard or federal agents to polling places this fall, prompting election officials and lawmakers to prepare safeguards against potential interference.
Upper Basin states including Colorado escaped federal water cuts while Lower Basin states face up to 3 million acre-feet in annual reductions, though prolonged drought threatens all water users.
Aurora Democrat Mandy Lindsay faces House reprimand and removal from leadership posts for mishandling Democratic caucus funds during her tenure as co-chair.