Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.

* With one day remaining before primary day in Colorado, contests that were largely expected to be lopsided affairs have become far more interesting in recent weeks. In the state’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, for example, Sen. Michael Bennet was generally seen as a lock, though state Attorney General Phil Weiser has largely erased the senator’s lead and is eyeing an upset.

Relatedly, Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, a former governor, is seeking a second term as he faces a primary challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzales, who’s taking on the incumbent from the left.

Meanwhile, in Denver, Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette wasn’t seen as vulnerable, but she’s on the defensive against democratic socialist Melat Kiros, who has a surprisingly robust campaign operation. Earlier this month, DeGette and her allies started running campaign ads, suggesting they saw signs of real trouble, although it’s an open question as to whether those efforts have come too late to help rescue the longtime congresswoman.

* As expected, Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary runoff Saturday and is now heavily favored to succeed incumbent Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy. Letlow, who was backed by Donald Trump, prevailed over former Rep. John Fleming by roughly 14 points.

* In Alaska’s closely watched Senate race, a state judge ruled Friday that retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan can, in fact, run against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. The ruling overturns a recent decision from the Alaska Division of Elections.

* In Maine’s closely watched Senate race, a New York Times/Portland Press Herald/Siena poll found Democratic candidate Graham Platner with a narrow lead over incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins, 49% to 47%.

* If Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s spokesperson is to be believed, the New Jersey Republican will return to his duties this week after a lengthy and largely unexplained absence. The first order of business: attending a fundraiser for his re-election campaign.

* A controversial proposal to tax California’s billionaires will appear on the state’s 2026 ballot. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has expressed his opposition to the ballot measure, arguing the policy should be decided at the national, not the state, level.

* And with a month remaining before Michigan’s statewide primaries, the president endorsed Republican Rep. John James’ gubernatorial candidacy, which was notable in large part because the president discouraged the congressman from seeking statewide office this year, only to have James ignore him.

The post Monday’s Campaign Round-Up, 6.29.26: Coloradans to weigh in on competitive primaries appeared first on MS NOW.

Author: Source Author

From MS Now.