Story perspectives

Colorado Democrats Censure Gov. Polis, Cite Rising Election Worker Threats

5/22/2026

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Polis Censured by Democrats

Over 700 Colorado Democrats signed a grassroots petition that spurred the party’s censure of Governor Jared Polis.
The Colorado State Democratic Party censured Governor Jared Polis, with 89.8% of the central committee voting in favor.
Censure bars Polis from being an honored guest or featured speaker at state-party events.
Secretary of State Jena Griswold warned threats toward election workers have risen since Peters’s sentencing.

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Democrats Censure Polis

President Donald Trump celebrated the commutation on Truth Social, posting “FREE TINA!” to his followers.
Colorado Democratic Party’s State Central Committee censured Governor Jared Polis, voting nearly 90% in favor after his commutation.
Polis was barred from Democratic events, and the party said the decision harmed its credibility.
Senator Michael Bennet and Secretary of State Jena Griswold called the commutation terrible and election-denial-legitimizing.

History

Historical Context

After the Democratic National Committee expelled vice-presidential nominee Thomas Eagleton in 1975, the party showed its willingness to police candidates—a pattern echoed in 2024 when Colorado Democrats censured Governor Jared Polis with an overwhelming vote. The practice mirrors earlier intra-party enforcement, such as the 1976 Democratic convention where Jimmy Carter secured 2,239 delegate votes (74.48%) amid strong party discipline.

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Polis Censured by Democrats

Over 700 Colorado Democrats signed a grassroots petition that spurred the party’s censure of Governor Jared Polis.
The Colorado State Democratic Party censured Governor Jared Polis, with 89.8% of the central committee voting in favor.
Censure bars Polis from being an honored guest or featured speaker at state-party events.
Secretary of State Jena Griswold warned threats toward election workers have risen since Peters’s sentencing.

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