Queer, Liberal, and Colorado: 2020 Election Breakdown

This year’s election cycle was a historic one, and not just because of the presidential race, which is still too close to call. With one-third of the Senate up for reelection and all 435 seats within the House of Representatives up for grabs, this election could easily sway the balance of power for either political party.

Local elections within Colorado garnered some victories for liberal voters. Governor John Hickenlooper was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he has promised to advocate to pass the Equality Act, which provides clear and consistent non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans. The Colorado LGBTQ Legislative Caucus added a new member, as David Ortiz won a decisive victory in Littleton. On the other hand, Diane Mitsch Bush lost a close race for Colorado’s third congressional district to far-right conservative Lauren Boebert.

Colorado struck down proposition 115, which would have restricted reproductive health care rights. Prop 115 was defeated by a vote of 59 percent No to 41 percent Yes with 85 percent reporting. Not only is this a decisive victory, but it’s also the second-largest win margin of any statewide race, including candidate and ballot measures. Voters also approved Proposition 118, which allows for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave by splitting the cost between employers and employees.

Around the country, five states have voted to pass adult use of cannabis. Of the five states that voted on cannabis, four states approved legal recreational marijuana for adults age 21 and older. Mississippi approved medical use, while South Dakota approved both recreational and medical use at one time. Oregon became the first state to decriminalize small amounts of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs.

In Delaware, Sarah McBride made history as the first openly trans state senator. There are currently four openly transgender U.S. state legislators: Virginia state Del. Danica Roem; Colorado state Rep. Brianna Titone; and New Hampshire state Reps. Lisa Bunker and Gerri Cannon. McBride’s win, which was reported yesterday by The New York Times, means she will be the highest-ranking openly transgender official in the country.