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Voters 50-plus Will Decide 2026 Midterms in Colorado
What issues should be top of mind for candidates?
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Nearly 50% of Colorado’s voters are 50 or older – and the issues that impact them should be front and center for state and federal candidates on the ballot this midterm election cycle.
“With more than 900,000 family caregivers, more than 950,000 individuals counting on Social Security, and real challenges in housing and livability here in Colorado, candidates need to think about this constituency,” AARP Colorado State Director Sara Schueneman said.
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The primaries will be held on Tuesday, June 30, and the general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3. AARP does not endorse or donate to the campaigns of elected officials or candidates for public office.
Key Issues for Congressional candidates – and voters – to consider
Social Security
By about 2033, Social Security will only have about 80% of the money it needs to make full payments. Congress needs to act to fill the 20% gap.
AARP opposes any changes that would result in cuts to Americans’ Social Security payments, reductions in the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), privatizing Social Security, or raising the retirement age.
Take the pledge to vote for candidates who will protect and strengthen Social Security!
Caregiving
Family caregivers are the backbone of America's long-term care system, providing more than $1 trillion in mostly unpaid labor each year and saving taxpayers billions. Coloradans caring for adult family members or friends account for $16 billion of that unpaid labor.
Family caregivers need common-sense solutions to save them money and time and get
them more support. AARP is fighting to:
- Put money back in the pockets of America’s hardworking family caregivers.
- Provide working caregivers with paid leave so they can care for their loved ones without losing their jobs or pay.
- Protect the home care options that seniors and their family caregivers rely on.
Take the pledge to vote for candidates who will support hardworking family caregivers now!
Key issues for Gubernatorial candidates – and voters – to consider
Financial and Consumer Issues
The Colorado General Assembly, as well as the Governor’s office, annually tackles budgetary challenges and considers policy that impacts consumers. How will the Centennial State’s next governor approach pocketbook issues such as:
- Protecting popular and needed tax credits like the Homestead Property Tax Exemption.
- Ensuring consumer protections are in place as artificial intelligence plays a role in hiring, government services, and more.
- Supporting the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board.
Eighty-two percent of adults 50 and older believe prescription drugs are too expensive.
Livable Communities
Coloradans are not immune to forces and trends that impact quality of life in neighborhoods and communities. How will the state’s next governor approach:
- Developing policy solutions to help Coloradans 50 or older find and keep affordable housing.
- Empowering individuals to age in place or the communities that they love.
A 2024 AARP survey found that 75% of older adults want to stay in their homes – but 44% feel like they’ll have no choice but to move.
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