Congressional races across the state are heating up: with the gloves coming off in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s newest, and swingiest, district; other longtime Colorado Democrats facing challenges from more progressive candidates; and a Republican freshman trying to defend his seat from his right flank.

CPR’s Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim, along with Kiara DeMare and Rae Solomon, discuss who’s on the ballot, as well as the dynamics of these races and what it says about politics right now.

Catch up with our latest coverage:

• CPR News: 2026 Colorado Primary Election Voter Guide
• CPR News: A new season of the Who’s Gonna Govern podcast
• CPR News: Melat Kiros says she’ll bring change, lower costs in bid for Congressional District 1 seat
• CPR News: Rep. Diana DeGette is focused on healthcare in bid for 30th year in Congress 
• CPR News: Wanda James brings military experience to Congressional District 1 campaign as war in Iran rages
• Denverite: Denver congressional candidate Wanda James sues other CU Regents over censure
• CPR News: What voters in Colorado’s newest and most competitive congressional district are thinking about right now

Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Purplish’s producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Megan Verlee is CPR News’ executive producer of podcasts.