Sen. Morgan Carroll (CGA)
WASHINGTON — Ending , Democratic state Sen. Morgan Carroll on Tuesday announced her plan to challenge Republican incumbent Mike Coffman in Colorado’s 6th Congressional District — setting up another marquee match-up in Denver’s eastern suburbs.
In 2014, Democrats ran former state House speaker Andrew Romanoff against Coffman in a race that was seen as a prime pick-up opportunity for them, given the fairly even split among Democrats, Republicans and independents in the 6th Congressional District. The Coffman-Romanoff fight turned into one of the most expensive House races in the country, though Coffman ultimately crushed Romanoff by about 9 percentage points.
Carroll is hoping for better luck this time around. One factor in her favor is that she’ll be running in a presidential year, which historically favors Democratic turnout. In a release, she also touted her experience as a state legislator.
“Whether it was making government more efficient and transparent, lowering healthcare premiums to put more money in the pockets of hardworking Coloradans, or taking on lobbyists and special interests, I’ve never backed down from a challenge,” said Carroll in a statement. “I have a record of delivering real results for Colorado families, and that’s exactly what we need in Congress.”
But Republicans promised a fight.
“With ultra-liberal Morgan Carroll officially in the race, it’s clear Democrats learned nothing from their 9-point loss there in 2014,” said Zach Hunter, a spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee, in a statement. “Morgan Carroll is just another out of touch liberal that simply doesn’t match the district and voters will send her packing just like they did with Andrew Romanoff.”
