Why Colorado’s Elections No Longer Belong to Its Voters

By: Vince Bzdek | Commentary, The Denver Gazette

Why is Michael Bloomberg, the former presidential candidate, three-term New York mayor and founder of the financial info firm that bears his name, spending millions on Colorado elections?

The short answer: because he can.

The liberal New Yorker has donated $2.7 million to support Denver’s flavored tobacco ban, Referendum 301, to be decided on Tuesday. Two of his donations to that campaign were the largest individual contributions in Denver history, according to an Axios analysis.

Bloomberg is also the largest donor in the 2026 governor’s race, giving $500,000 to a super-PAC supporting U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet’s campaign.

“This is a very large donation for a statewide race,” Seth Masket, professor of political science at University of Denver, told me.

All told, Bloomberg has given about $10 million to Colorado political candidates and causes since 2012, including $500,000 for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s successful run for mayor in 2023 and $2 million for Johnston’s failed gubernatorial campaign in 2018.

He’s been an advocate for gun restrictions, charter schools and public health causes here.

Masket isn’t sure Colorado is an unusual target in this giving spree “because Bloomberg has been involved in lots of different ballot races and ballot initiative campaigns for years in lots of different parts of the country.” His giving in Colorado is consistent with his broader pattern of using his wealth to shape policy outcomes that align with his views.

“He often kind of flies under the radar, but he backs relatively progressive causes,” said Maskett.

Bloomberg does own a $44.8 million ranch and vacation home in Colorado, up north in Rio Blanco County. The 4,600-acre site called “Westlands” contains large areas for fishing and hunting, a four-hole golf course and a tennis court. So his interests in the state are not wholly that of an “outsider.”

But what may be more of a factor are the kinds of issues that are incubated here. Colorado has had a mix of battleground elections, initiative votes and policy fights over gun laws, tobacco and education reform that provide opportunities for him to influence policy areas he cares deeply about.

By donating in Colorado, Bloomberg is exerting influence at a state level that can have a ripple effect on national issues and help build networks of aligned policy makers.

So what’s the problem?

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT THE DENVER GAZETTE

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.