American politics are in a moment of major upheaval: a Republican president and GOP-controlled Congress are reshaping the federal government and expanding the limits of presidential power. Meanwhile, Democrats across the country are questioning how to win back voters who feel their party has failed to deliver. And as Republicans have this moment on the national stage, Colorado鈥檚 GOP party is trying to catch up, hoping a new leader can bring some unity 鈥� and less havoc 鈥� for Republicans in the state.
and examine what new leadership could mean for the future of the Colorado Republican Party and what鈥檚 top of mind for its members with a lot of statewide offices and a U.S. Senate seat up for grabs in 2026. Then joins to dig into how Colorado鈥檚 Democratic members of Congress are looking to redirect the party ahead of the midterms.
At the state level, the Colorado Republican Party hopes to move on from the divisive tenure of Chairman Dave Williams. The former state representative upset many GOP members by running for Congress while serving as chairman and getting the state party involved in Republican primaries. He also clashed with numerous Republican officials, .
An attempt to oust Williams was , allowing him to serve out his term. But he , and last weekend, Republicans as his replacement.
鈥淲e have to stop the infighting and start fighting for the party,鈥� Horn pledged.
As party chairwoman, Horn will have lead party messaging and coordination. She鈥檒l also play a role in whether the Colorado Republican Party pushes forward with an effort to close its primaries.
But whatever they do at the state level, much of both parties鈥� fortunes will likely hinge on national politics. President Donald Trump鈥檚 agenda -- and Republicans鈥� control of both chambers of Congress -- has many Democrats calling for their political leaders to fight harder.
Sen. Michael Bennet, who鈥檚 , has for not having a clearer strategy to fight Republicans and win back voters. Rep. Jason Crow has , as he works to recruit House candidates for 2026.
The big for last month鈥檚 rallies in Colorado featuring Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasia-Cortez suggests there鈥檚 pent-up energy on the left. But, given their current status in Washington, there may be limits on how much Democrats can do before the midterm elections to live up to those voters鈥� demands.
Purplish鈥檚 producer is . This episode was edited by and sound designed and engineered by . Our theme music is by Brad Turner.
