The upcoming Colorado Senate election on November 5th has significant implications for the state’s business community. Democrats need to flip just one seat to achieve a supermajority in the chamber, which would grant them unprecedented power in shaping legislation.
Senate President Pro Tem James Coleman, a Denver Democrat, downplays the potential impact, stating that Democrats will continue to seek bipartisan support and focus on community needs. However, Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, a Monument Republican, sees it differently. He warns that a Democratic supermajority could override vetoes, place constitutional amendments on the ballot, and alter legislative procedures without Republican input.
For businesses, Lundeen argues this could silence the party that fully supports free-market enterprise in favor of one increasingly critical of marketplaces and profits. The situation is nuanced, though, as some Democratic nominees have demonstrated pro-business leanings.
The 2024 legislative session saw business leaders on the defensive against proposals to increase oil and gas regulations, explore single-payer healthcare, and expand labor powers. Many of these measures stalled in the Senate, where moderate Democrats on closely divided committees often sided with business interests and
Republicans.
A Democratic supermajority could eliminate these closely divided committees, potentially altering the legislative landscape. While some pro-business Democratic moderates are returning, two key moderates are term-limited out.
Five races are considered pivotal in determining the Senate’s composition:
Senate District 5 pits Republican Rep. Marc Catlin against Democrat Cole Buerger in a slightly Republican-leaning district. Buerger emphasizes his business support and potential influence as a majority-party moderate, while Catlin touts his expertise in water rights and record of opposing business cost increases.
In Senate District 6, incumbent Republican Sen. Cleave Simpson faces Democrat Vivian Smotherman in a newly redrawn toss-up district. Simpson, known for moderation, has championed issues like affordable broadband and behavioral health funding. Smotherman’s platform challenges corporate interests and advocates for union rights.
Senate District 12 sees Republican El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf competing against Democratic Rep. Marc Snyder. Snyder has often voted against business-opposed legislation but supported environmental regulations that some argue increase living costs. VanderWerf emphasizes his history of bipartisan work and aims to reduce regulatory burdens.
In Senate District 13, Republican child-care business owner Scott Bright faces Democrat Brighton City Councilman Matt Johnston. Bright advocates for limited government reach and energy policy without mandates, while Johnston, a former Republican, expects to support his party’s labor efforts while potentially breaking ranks on energy issues.
Senate District 16 features incumbent Democratic Sen. Chris Kolker defending against Republican Centennial City Councilwoman Robyn Carnes. Kolker has a mixed record on business bills, while Carnes supports reform to increase condominium construction and reduce business regulations.
The outcome of these races will determine whether Democrats gain a supermajority or if Republicans can maintain enough seats to prevent it. Business leaders and policy makers are closely watching, as the results could significantly influence the state’s regulatory and economic landscape in the coming years.