The Colorado Senate was one of the biggest battleground states and chambers of the cycle. Control of the Senate hinged on just a handful of Democrat leaning suburban districts. And given that it was a presidential year with inevitably higher turnout, the odds were stacked against the Republicans. Hillary Clinton even won Colorado after a last minute push and her impressive ground game.

Congrats to the Sen.-elect from Adams County, Kevin Priola.

Congrats to the Sen.-elect from Adams County, Kevin Priola.

Yet, thanks to amazing leadership by outgoing Senate President Bill Cadman, his successor Sen. Kevin Grantham and their talented political team, Republicans retained control of Colorado’s upper chamber. And perhaps the most notable aspect of their victory is the fact that it was done by picking up their second Adams County Senate seat in two years – Sen. Beth Humenik in 2014 and Sen.-elect Kevin Priola in 2016.

What was once thought to be unwinnable territory for Republicans is now the part of our state responsible for handing them the majority in the Senate two cycles in a row. (The flip side of this coin is that south-suburban Arapahoe County legislative seats seem to have become hostile territory for Republicans, but still!) No other Republican in Adams County enjoyed victory last night except for Priola, which is a real testament to his hard work and the Senate Republican’s perfectly executed political strategy.

Well done, guys.  Now go enjoy that victory lap.