NEDERLAND — In the aftermath of this winter’s one true storm, amid the heavy snow and dense traffic heading up to Eldora, worker bees of the democratic process were busy at Nederland Middle Senior High School putting in a five-hour day for the Boulder County 2026 Democratic Caucus. 

Residents from all across Nederland and Boulder County, representing precincts 901 through 907, gathered Saturday, March 7, to elect delegates for the upcoming County Assembly as the first step to nominate Democratic candidates for the upcoming General Election.  

Nederland’s mayor, Billy Giblin, endorsed Kristopher Larsen for CU Regent. He referenced Larsen’s service to the Town of Nederland on the Planning Commission, the Board of Trustees, and as mayor, as well as his experience as a scientist and educator.    

Nederland mayor Billy Giblin sponsored Kristopher Larsen for CU Regent, and Joe Neguse for U.S. House Representative.

Photos by Christopher Kelley

Giblin also endorsed Joe Neguse for U.S. House Representative, having been impressed with his work “across the aisle” and in holding the President and government responsible. Neguse’s support for the Town of Nederland—after the Lakeview Fire and congressional spending for an emergency egress road out of the Big Springs—was also mentioned. 

Steven from the Town of Eldora spoke for young political newcomer Kubs Lalchandani for CU Regent. Lalchandani was described as having grown up in Boulder, volunteered as a Democratic activist, and as wanting to serve through strong community engagement.   

Ruth Friend gave a speech about her daughter, Rachel Friend, who is running for County Treasurer. The Nederland resident described her daughter as “whip-smart,” having graduated from Stanford and earning her law degree from Notre Dame, and noted her four years of experience analyzing city budgets while serving on council.

Ruth Friend spoke for her daughter, Rachel Friend, running for Boulder County Treasurer.

Photos by Christopher Kelley

George Friend spoke for Michael Dougherty for Attorney General. Dougherty would be a leader in a time of “profound uncertainty and fear” imposed upon Americans by the “great threat” of the Trump Administration, Friend said.

Democratic Women of Boulder County’s Vice President Kim Matthews spoke for current Attorney General Phil Weiser for Governor. Weiser “cares about all Coloradans,” Matthews said, citing his record as proof of his ability to tackle the job of Governor. 

Matthews also spoke for Julie Gonzales for U.S. Senate, calling her a “dynamic” choice for a position where “it’s time for a change,” and for Jessie Danielson for Secretary of State, whose “heart is in the right place” with her goals of protecting women and providing safety in our communities.  

Following the speeches, each precinct was directed into specific classrooms where they discussed interest among fellow residents as to who would want to put their name in the running to be an official delegate; each precinct then elected their delegates and conducted straw polls regarding the listed candidates.   

The next step in the process is the Democratic Party’s 2026 County Assembly, during which the elected precinct delegates will go through long deliberations before voting to choose their candidates for the upcoming General Election.  

The Assembly will be held at Fairview High School at 1515 Greenbriar Boulevard in Boulder on Saturday, March 14, at 7:15 a.m.