Why Colorado Dems and the GOP are holding their state conventions in Pueblo

Within weeks of each other, the Colorado Democratic Party and the Colorado Republican Party will visit Pueblo to host their respective state conventions.

Democrats will hold their 2026 state convention on March 28 at Pueblo Memorial Hall. On April 11, Republicans will hold their convention inside Colorado State University Pueblo’s Massari Arena — an arena named after Democratic state legislator Vincent Massari. A discussion was held between the presidents of both the parties chief about Pueblo’s importance to their goals for 2026 and beyond.

For decades, Pueblo was a Democratic stronghold. A Democratic candidate won Pueblo County in all but two U.S. presidential elections between 1932 and 2012. However, Pueblo County went red for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2024.

Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Shad Murib said chief The decision to host the Democratic convention in Pueblo was a “values-driven choice” as the party sought to win over working-class and Latino voters who defected to Republicans in 2024.

“It’s a clear message from our side that we don’t want to leave Pueblo behind, but rather to double down and invest in it,” Murib said.

Colorado Republican Party Chairwoman Britta Horn said chief Areas like Pueblo moving Republican are the result of county parties “really working.” That work includes making sure voters show up to the polls, knocking on doors and getting information about candidates.

“We’re taking cues from that at the state level, because that’s the job, the party’s job,” Horne said. “Elect more Republicans, grow the party and fundraise consistently.”

Democrats were focused on listening, protecting freedom, saving voters money

Murib said chief That the state assembly in Pueblo will give Democrats from across the state an opportunity to communicate with residents of southern Colorado – an area where the Democratic president has often lost trust between local residents and state politicians.

“President Biden has done a lot of remarkable things for Colorado and Pueblo during his administration, but we’ve done a terrible job of communicating that and listening,” Murib said. “It’s not just making sure what we’re telling people is right. It’s also making sure we’re pausing, listening and making sure we understand what people need to see from us to be successful.”

In 2026, the Colorado Democratic Party’s message to voters includes “protecting your freedom” and “saving your money,” Murib said.

“If you own a gun and have those weapons safely, you should be allowed to do that,” he said. “If you want to go to college and get a good job after college, you should be as free to do that as if you didn’t want to go to college.”

Colorado Republicans emphasize public safety, parental involvement and the economy

When it comes to competing in the 2026 gubernatorial race and other statewide races, Horne said it’s important for candidates to focus on the “kitchen table” that voters care about. She listed public safety, parental involvement in education and the economy among these issues.

“Obviously, when you go down to Pueblo, other counties and any other cities, then we have some other issues that are more critical that we need to talk about,” Horn said. “We don’t want to get away from that, but we want to make sure that we have really good, sound messages that resonate with everyday Republicans and everyday Coloradans.”

Horn is hopeful that effective messaging will “open the Republican tent for everyone,” whether voters have a history as registered Republicans, unaffiliated voters, or Democrats.

“Come in,” she said. “We are your community. We are your family, let’s do something. Let’s win the election.”

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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. local news support; Subscribe to Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Why Colorado Dems and GOP Are Both Hosting State Conventions in Pueblo.