2008 United States Senate election in Colorado


The 2008 United States Senate election in Colorado was held November 4, 2008. The primary elections were held August 12, 2008. Incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Wayne Allard decided to retire instead of seeking a third term. Democratic nominee Mark Udall won the open seat, making this the first time a Democrat had held this seat since 1978. As of, this is the last time the Democrats have won the Class 2 Senate Seat from Colorado.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Republican primary

Candidates

General election

Campaign

The election featured an open contest because incumbent U.S. Senator Wayne Allard declined to seek re-election. He honored his 1996 pledge to serve no more than two terms in the U.S. Senate and announced that he will retire from his service to the US Senate and not seek a 3rd term, leaving Colorado's Class II Senate seat open. Both parties believed this senate contest would be one of the most competitive senate races during the 2008 election.

Predictions

CQ Politics rated this race as 'Democrat Favored'. The Cook Political Report considered it 'Lean Democrat'. The Rothenberg Political Report considered it a 'Lean Takeover'.

Polling

Results