Prior to redistricting the district was represented by Republicans Don Coram and Ellen Roberts.

[3][4] District 6 is based in Southwest Colorado, covering all of Alamosa, Archuleta, Conejos, Costilla, Dolores, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, and San Miguel Counties.

Communities in the district include Montrose, Olathe, Ouray, Mountain Village, Telluride, Silverton, Dove Creek, Cortez, Mancos, Towaoc, Durango, Bayfield, and Pagosa Springs.

[1] Colorado state senators are elected to staggered four-year terms.

Incumbent Senator Don Coram was redistricted into the 5th district, which also is not up for election this year, meaning Coram had no seat to run in; he ran unsuccessfully for Colorado's 3rd congressional district instead.