What Colorado political experts are saying about 2024 election

The 8th Congressional District race is the one to watch, according to Colorado political experts who spoke Tuesday at an event hosted by Axios Denver at the Denver Press Club.

What they're saying: "I think it's going to continue to be very close and come down to who has the better message," said Alvina Vasquez, a Democratic political strategist.

The big picture: The congressional battle in Denver's northern suburbs is the marquee race in the 2024 election, but far from the only consequential decision on the ballot.

Colorado may not land on the map as a battleground, but the presidential race at the top of the ticket holds importance for down-ballot races in terms of turnout and energy.

• "Coloradans recognize we may not have that political importance, but we are also a highly educated state … [the presidential race] still boosts turnout dramatically," said Lori Weigel, a prominent Colorado pollster.
• Presidential election years also generate more ballot measures, said David Meschke, an attorney at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck who tracks the initiatives.

Between the lines: Just more than half of Colorado voters say they are worse off than they were four years ago, Weigel added, citing polling.

• "That may not completely translate to how they vote for president, but it could translate down the ticket. It's definitely a change election," she said.

The intrigue: A major motivator for voters is the measure to codify rights to abortion in the state constitution, Vasquez added.

• "I think choice is going to be a driver for voters," she said, suggesting it will help Vice President Kamala Harris and down-ballot Democratic candidates. "The big thing is to remind voters to vote the entire ballot and not just stop at the presidential ticket."