As in 2008, the key to Obama's victory was Democratic dominance in the Denver area, sweeping not just the city but also the heavily populated suburban counties around Denver, particularly Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson counties; as well as winning Larimer County, home to Fort Collins. Obama also took nearly 70% of the vote in Boulder County, home to Boulder; and won Chaffee County, which he had lost to McCain in 2008. Romney's most populated county wins were in El Paso County, where Colorado Springs is located; and Weld County, a suburb of Denver and home to Greeley.
This election solidified Colorado's transformation from a historically Republican-leaning state into a Democratic-leaning swing state. Obama's 2012 victory in the state, on the heels of his 2008 victory, marked the first time that the Democrats had carried Colorado in two consecutive elections since the landslide re-election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936 and the first time since 1964 that a sitting Democratic president carried Colorado. This was the first time since 1964 that Democrats carried a majority of the state's congressional districts. As of the 2024 presidential election, this is the last election in which Conejos, Huerfano, and Las Animas counties have voted for the Democratic candidate.
The 2012 Colorado Republican presidential caucuses took place on 7 February 2012. It was part of the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries. The race was widely expected to be won by Mitt Romney even on the day of the caucus, but a strong surge by Rick Santorum across all three races that day carried him to a close victory; however, the delegates were not legally bound to follow voter preferences and most voted for Romney.
On the campaign trail, President Obama watches as graduates toss their hats during the United States Air Force Academy commencement ceremony at Falcon Stadium, USAF Academy in Colorado Springs, May 23, 2012.
Virgil Goode/Jim Clymer, Constitution
Barack Obama/Joseph Biden, Democratic
Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan, Republican
Gary Johnson/James P. Gray, Libertarian
Jill Stein/Cheri Honkala, Green
Stewart Alexander/Alex Mendoza, Socialist
Rocky Anderson/Luis J. Rodriguez, Justice
Roseanne Barr/Cindy Shehan, Peace and Freedom
James Harris/Alyson Kennedy, Socialist Workers
Tom Hoefling/J.D. Ellis, America's
Gloria La Riva/Filberto Ramirez Jr., Socialism and Liberation
Merlin Miller/Harry V. Bertram, American Third Position
Incumbent Barack Obama started off with a wide lead in polls ranging from 1 to 13 points, which continued throughout the early summer of 2012. On August 6, Romney won his first poll, 50% to 45%. Throughout the rest of the summer, and September, with the exception of a few points, Obama won almost every poll but narrowly. Romney gained momentum in October, and the race was essentially tied, with neither candidate taking a significant lead. The last week before the election, Obama gained momentum and won each of the 4 pre-election polls. The average of the last 3 pre-election polls showed Obama leading Romney 49.7% to 46.3%.[3] The final pre-election poll showed Obama leading Romney 52% to 46%, which was accurate compared to the results. Washington Post rated this race "Toss-Up."[4][5]
[1]
2012 U.S. presidential election
