DemFest 2026 highlights: What voters should know before the primaries

Over the weekend, the Colorado Democratic Party hosted its third annual DemFest: a gathering of Colorado’s democrats running for state office. Those in attendance included the candidates themselves, vocal supporters, voters and protesters.

KGNU’s Abby O’Brien spoke with reporter Lily Sharp and photojournalist Sagan Randall, who covered the event.

The event was free to the public with registration and ran from 8 am to 3 pm at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Overall, it was an opportunity for candidates to give their main campaign points and promises to voting Coloradans in an efficient way before the primaries.

Democrats from across the state were there for debate-style forums and public appearances. All democratic candidates for attorney general, secretary of state and governor participated in forums led by law professors from the University of Denver.

This event was different from many debates and public appearances, as the candidates could interact with voters/community members afterwards.

Main points across the board included: the future of the democratic party and shortfalls that led to the Trump administration’s takeover, Denver as a DNC host finalist, “fighting Trump”, healthcare, abortion access, fighting ICE and protecting immigrants & their status.

Attorney General Candidates seem to share sentiments regarding immigration, healthcare & the Trump administration.

It seems to be a race for who is most qualified: Michael Dougherty cites his DA experience, Hetal Doshi cites experience with the Biden administration, incumbent Secretary of State Jena Griswold cites her experience in her current position, and David Seligman cites his hands-on legal expertise.

Some highlights from the gubernatorial forum include: Overwhelming crowd support for incumbent Attorney General Phil Weiser, talk about climate policy & initiatives, discussion of economic & healthcare concerns of women in Colorado, the cost of living & affordability, the state budget & TABOR.

Both candidates agree that the democratic party has let down young voters.

Senator Michael Bennet said, “ Our kids and grandkids are out of time, and they are … and they think we should be out of excuses for our failures as a generation to deliver what we need to deliver.”

Both candidates said they vow to stand up to ICE to make Colorado a safe place for immigrants and their families.

The Secretary of State forum focused on voter protections in the current political climate. There was a bit of disagreement between Senator Jessie Danielson and Jeffco Clerk & Recorder Amanda Gonzalez about who pioneered the automatic voter registration bill in Colorado.

Interrupting audience members protesting aspects of the democratic party were vocal during the attorney general forum and a congressional fireside chat with Congresswoman Brittany Petterson and Congressman Jason Crow.

Three protesters interrupted the Attorney General forum, and five interrupted the congressional fireside chat – usually before or during Congresswoman Brittany Petterson’s responses.

The protesters’ sentiments focused on pro-Palestinian and anti-war values. Many accused the candidates on stage of taking money from Israel. Security on site escorted protesters out of the building.

Primary voting ends June 30. You can cast your vote in person or by mail.

This story aired on the Morning Magazine, KGNU’s weekday morning show featuring in-depth discussions on local news issues. Click here to listen to other episodes of the Morning Magazine.