Colorado state Senate: Meet the primary election candidates

Colorado’s June 30 primary election will decide key state Senate races, with several open seats and competitive matchups shaping the November general election. In Senate District 3, incumbent Democrat Nick Hinrichsen is not seeking re-election, leaving an open seat with two Democratic candidates vying for the nomination: Taylor Voss, a philanthropy director and former school board member, and Aaron Gutierrez, an attorney and brain cancer survivor. As of June 2024, Voss has raised nearly $47,000, including contributions from unions and business groups, while Gutierrez has raised around $40,000 from individual donors. The district has 34,109 registered Democrats, 26,438 Republicans, and 52,516 unaffiliated voters, making this race highly competitive. In Senate District 9, a rematch between Republican Lynda Zamora Wilson and former state Rep. Terri Carver will determine who advances to the general election. Zamora Wilson, a 25-year Air Force veteran with a doctoral degree in economics, was appointed to the seat in June 2025 after replacing Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen. Carver, also an Air Force veteran with 29 years of service, holds a fundraising advantage, having raised over $97,000 compared to Zamora Wilson’s $53,000. Key endorsements for Carver include former Rep. Rose Pugliese and current Reps. Ava Flanell and Mary Bradfield, while Zamora Wilson has support from Reps. Scott Bottoms and Ken DeGraaf. Senate District 21, currently represented by Democrat Adrienne Benavidez, will also see a vacancy committee appointment in November after her selection in February. The district covers parts of Adams and Arapahoe Counties, with voter registration data showing a mix of party affiliations. While no primary candidates are listed in the provided content, the race will likely draw attention due to its location in a growing suburban area. Fundraising trends indicate strong grassroots support for both parties, with Democratic candidates in District 3 receiving backing from labor unions and business groups, while Republican candidates in District 9 rely heavily on individual and industry donations. The outcomes of these primaries will influence Colorado’s legislative landscape ahead of the general election in November.