Colorado’s Democratic Party voted on May 20 to formally censure Gov. Jared Polis, an unusual intraparty rebuke over his decision to commute the prison sentence of Tina Peters, a former county clerk convicted in an election-system breach case.
About 90 percent of the state central committee approved a resolution condemning Polis for conduct inconsistent with the party’s commitment to election integrity. The measure bars the term-limited governor from appearing as a featured speaker at official party events until further notice.
Polis on May 15 halved Peters’ nearly nine-year sentence, making the 70-year-old eligible for parole on June 1. He cited an appellate finding that her sentence improperly considered free-speech activity, though prosecutors and fellow Democrats widely opposed the move.
President Donald Trump had publicly pressured for Peters’ release, but Polis said his decision was independent. The censure is largely symbolic yet marks a sharp break between Colorado Democrats and their governor ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Peters was convicted in August 2024 of orchestrating a security breach of Mesa County election equipment and received a nearly nine-year sentence. The Colorado Court of Appeals found in April 2026 that part of the sentence improperly considered her speech, a finding Polis cited when granting clemency days after the legislature adjourned.
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Sources:
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/5/22/headlines