FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2026

CONTACT: BoulderDSA@gmail.com

Boulder County DSA releases 2026 primary voter guide, recommends candidates across 6 contested races

With fascism on the rise and corporate Democrats hedging, Boulder County DSA is telling voters which candidates are worth their time

BOULDER, Colo. — Boulder County Democratic Socialists of America recently released its voter guide for the 2026 Colorado Democratic Primary, offering recommendations on contested races ranging from U.S. Senate to county treasurer ahead of the June 30 election.

“This year’s Democratic primary voter guide includes recommendations for candidates we believe will fight for a better future and a better Colorado where everyone can live with dignity,” said Aidan Reed, chair of the chapter’s electoral committee. “We did not make endorsements this year but encourage voters to support candidates who will defend against fascism and advance policies that will strengthen the working class.”

Developed through a member-driven process that included chapterwide votes, the guide covers seven contested races and a handful of uncontested ones. In contested races, the chapter recommended the following candidates:

• Julie Gonzales for U.S. Senate
• David Seligman for attorney general
• Amanda Gonzalez for secretary of state
• Murray Smith for CU Regent District 2
• Jenn Kaaoush for Boulder County treasurer
• Anil Pesaramelli for Colorado House District 19

The chapter extended no formal endorsements this cycle. Under Boulder County DSA’s process, an endorsement requires a candidate to actively seek chapter support, complete a questionnaire, appear before membership at a general meeting and secure a formal vote — a higher bar than a recommendation alone.

The guide evaluates candidates based on alignment with Boulder County DSA’s on the following ideals: anti-capitalism, meaningful action on the environment, accountability in law enforcement, and protection of human rights regardless of racial identity, culture, gender identity, sexual preference, ability, religion, immigration status, economic status, or housing status. Candidates who received “Yes” recommendations were assessed as aligning with many of the chapter’s priorities and will support policies that empower the working class, even if they do not share all of the chapter’s goals.

Among the guide’s more pointed assessments: Incumbent U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper received a “No” recommendation in part because he voted to confirm 10 of President Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees. U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, despite a record the chapter described as broadly progressive, also received a “No” recommendation over his vote to adopt a definition of antisemitism that the chapter argued conflates criticism of Israel with discrimination.

The chapter’s complete 2026 Colorado Democratic primary voter guide is available on their website at boulderdsa.org/voterguide. Colorado’s Democratic Primary Election Day is June 30. Ballots are mailed to active registered voters.

About Boulder County Democratic Socialists of America

Boulder County DSA is a local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, the largest socialist organization in the United States. Boulder County DSA organizes in Boulder and Broomfield counties around labor rights, housing, health care, immigration justice, anti-imperialism, the environment, and democratic accountability.

###

The post Boulder County DSA Releases 2026 Primary Voter Guide appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.