Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear to Keynote Colorado Democratic Party’s 9th Annual Obama Gala on June 6

DENVER - The Colorado Democratic Party announced today that Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear will headline the 9th Annual Obama Gala on June 6, 2026 , bringing one of the nation's most successful Democratic governors to Colorado for one of the Party's signature events of the year.

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib welcomed Governor Beshear's participation, saying:

"Governor Beshear has shown the country what strong, steady Democratic leadership looks like: delivering results for working families, protecting fundamental freedoms, and proving that our values can win everywhere. At a moment when Democrats are fighting to move our country forward and hold Republicans accountable, we're excited to welcome him to Colorado to help energize our movement and rally Democrats for the fights ahead."

In response to the invitation, Governor Andy Beshear said:

"I am excited to visit Colorado this summer to keynote the Colorado Democratic Party's Obama Gala. Colorado is a crucial battleground this election year, as we work to elect as many Democratic Governors as possible, keep the offices that Democrats currently hold, and flip Congressional seats so we can take back the House. I'm grateful for the opportunity to support Colorado Democrats in their work to elect good people and good candidates up and down the ballot."

Governor Beshear has earned national recognition for his leadership in Kentucky, focusing on economic growth, disaster recovery, job creation, and protecting health care access for families. His ability to win and govern successfully in a traditionally Republican state has made him one of the most prominent Democratic voices in the country.

Read Gov. Andy Beshear's bio here.

What: 9th Annual Obama Gala with Special Guest Gov. Andy Beshear

When: June 6, 5:30 - 10 p.m.

Where: Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, Colorado

Tickets: Tickets will be available to the public beginning April 20, 2026.

The Obama Gala will follow the Party's third annual DemFest held earlier that day that brings together thousands of Democrats from across Colorado for a full day of organizing, conversation and activism.

This year, DemFest will be held in partnership with the Colorado Professional Fire Fighters, underscoring the Party's commitment to standing with workers and the labor movement across the state.

"DemFest is about bringing people together to organize, to connect, and to build the kind of coalition it takes to win," said Chair Murib. "At a time when the stakes couldn't be higher, we're creating space for Coloradans to engage directly with candidates, hear about the issues that matter most, and be part of the work to move our state forward."

Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Legislative and Political Affairs Director Jimmy Allen welcomed the partnership saying:

"As firefighters, we know what it means to serve our communities and stand up for working people," said Colorado Professional Fire Fighters Legislative and Political Affairs Director Jimmy Allen. "We're proud to partner with the Colorado Democratic Party for DemFest and to be part of an event that brings people together around shared values: protecting workers, strengthening our communities and building a better and safer Colorado."

DemFest will feature candidate forums, conversations with elected officials and opportunities for grassroots activists and community members to get involved ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Candidates running for the Democratic nomination in the following races are invited to participate in candidate forums throughout the day:

• Governor

• U.S. Senate

• Congressional Districts 1, 3, 5, 8

• Secretary of State

• Attorney General

As candidates accept the invitations, CDP will announce details for forums and events that will be open to the press and public. Additional DemFest programming will be announced in the coming days and weeks leading up to the event.

Details on additional programming featuring special guests, elected officials, and candidates for races across the ballot will be released in the coming weeks in the lead-up to the 3rd Annual DemFest.