The politics of Colorado, United States, are that of a blue state. In recent years, the state has seen a shift towards the Democratic Party due to demographic changes and an increase in the number of unaffiliated voters who lean towards Democrats. El Paso County, with its headquarters in Colorado Springs, is a Republican stronghold, but the county also has a significant body of Democratic voters who dominate a considerable geographical portion of the county and, as a result, win some important elections, primarily for the state Legislature. The mayor of Colorado Springs is responsible for appointing the municipal auditor and city manager, approving the city's budget, setting tax rates, acting as the Colorado Springs Utilities board of directors, establishing policies, and passing ordinances and resolutions to govern the city.
The City Council is composed of nine members elected from districts throughout the city. The Colorado Senate is the upper house of the Colorado General Assembly and is made up of 35 seats of approximately 143,000 people each. Manitou Springs won 67.9% of Democratic votes and Old Colorado City, and the neighboring areas of western Colorado Springs with 65.0% of Democrats. Colorado's 5th congressional district is represented by Republican Doug Lamborn, from northern Colorado Springs.
Although republicanism is strongest in northern El Paso County, there are two Republican areas southwest of downtown Colorado Springs. Other elected officials include county commissioners, sheriffs, district attorneys, coroners, surveyors, assessors, clerks and recorders. The Colorado House of Representatives is the lower house of the Colorado General Assembly, consisting of 65 seats of approximately 77,000 people each. Colorado is part of the United States District Court for the District of Colorado in the federal judiciary.
Elections are held every two years for all elected offices in El Paso County. The 2020 United States Census will be used to determine congressional representation in 2021. In conclusion, politics in Colorado Springs are dominated by Republicans but there are also significant numbers of Democrats who have won important elections in recent years. The mayor is responsible for appointing city officials and approving budgets while other elected officials include county commissioners and representatives in both houses of the state legislature. The 2020 census will be used to determine congressional representation in 2021.
