Anti-Trump senator defeated by far-left rival after heated gubernatorial primary

Colorado’s Democratic Primary for Governor Ends in Upset Victory for Attorney General Phil Weiser

Denver, Colo. – In a race that many analysts had predicted would favor the establishment, Colorado’s two‑term Attorney General Phil Weiser upset three‑term U.S. Senator Michael Bennet on Tuesday, securing the Democratic nomination for governor. The win means that Bennet will remain in the Senate and that Weiser is now the front‑runner to succeed term‑limited Democratic Governor Jared Polis in the November election.

The primary, held on June 4, drew national attention as the most closely watched Democratic contest of the year. Polls had suggested a tight race, but the final tally showed Weiser with a clear margin over Bennet, a former 2020 presidential candidate who had carried the endorsement of more than 200 Colorado Democratic leaders, including Senators John Hickenlooper and Jason Crow, Representatives Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen, and labor unions across the state.

“We have been working to bring a new voice to Colorado politics,” Bennet told supporters after the election. “I will continue to fight for the working class and help keep our state’s leadership focused on fighting for people, not politicians.”

Weiser’s campaign, however, capitalized on his legal background and experience as the state’s chief prosecutor. The attorney general’s website praised his career, stating that “Phil has dedicated his life to the law, justice, and public service. As your Governor he will continue to advance the rule of law, protect our democracy, and promote justice for all.” His support base included former Governor Roy Romer, former Representative Ed Perlmutter, former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, and former Senator Tim Wirth, among other progressive leaders and local officials.

The outcome has several implications. First, it removes the possibility of a major vacancy fight in the U.S. Senate that would have arisen had Bennet won the governorship. With the primary over, Bennet will keep his Senate seat for the remainder of his term. Second, it places Weiser firmly in the spotlight as the Democratic nominee against Republican contenders in the November general election.

Colorado has been a Democratic stronghold in statewide elections for several years, and the incumbent Governor Jared Polis is term‑limited after eight years in office. According to Colorado’s state constitution, a governor may serve no more than two consecutive terms. Polis’s departure opens the field for a new leader, and the Democratic Party is now preparing for what is widely expected to be a safe race in favor of the nominee.

Meanwhile, the Republican side of the race is still shaping up. Barb Kirkmeyer, a former state representative, led the GOP primary for governor on the same day that the Democratic contest concluded. Her closest rivals, Victor Marx and Scott Bottoms, lag behind in the polls. Republican officials have warned that the race will be challenging for any GOP candidate against the now‑favored Weiser, who enjoys strong name recognition and a record of public service.

“We’re still in the early stages,” said Kirkmeyer in a statement after the primary. “But we’re confident in our platform and the issues that matter to Colorado voters.”

Bennet had argued that his experience in the Senate and his campaign for president would give him a unique perspective on national issues, including a renewed push to confront former President Donald Trump’s influence. He also suggested that as governor he could be more effective in advancing progressive policy on issues such as climate change, education, and healthcare.

Weiser countered by emphasizing his track record as Attorney General, citing his leadership on consumer protection, environmental enforcement, and criminal justice reform. “My time in the Attorney General’s office has prepared me to be an effective governor,” he said in a post‑election interview. “I’m ready to tackle the challenges Colorado faces with the same dedication that has guided my career.”

The final vote counts showed Weiser ahead by roughly 11 percent. While the exact numbers have not yet been certified, preliminary returns indicated a margin of several thousand votes in his favor. The Democratic Party is now poised to focus its resources on the general election, while the Republican Party begins to rally behind Kirkmeyer as the nominee.

Colorado voters will soon see how the state’s political landscape adjusts as it moves toward November’s general election. The outcome of the Democratic primary has already shifted the narrative from a battle between an establishment figure and a seasoned legal professional to one that could redefine the state’s leadership priorities in the coming years.