Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has won the state's Democratic primary for governor, defeating Senator Michael Bennet in a major upset. Weiser's victory blocks Bennet's attempt to move from the Senate to the governor's residence and puts him in position as the favorite to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Jared Polis. Weiser's win marks a significant development in one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries of the year.
The primary battle pitted two high-profile Colorado Democrats against each other, with Bennet, a three-term senator and former presidential candidate, facing off against Weiser, the state's two-term attorney general. Despite Bennet's support from much of Colorado's Democratic establishment, Weiser emerged victorious. The winner of the Democratic nomination is favored to win in November in a state where Democrats have dominated recent statewide elections.
Bennet had argued during the campaign that he could be more effective fighting Trump and advancing policy as governor, while Weiser highlighted his experience as Colorado's attorney general and his legal background. Weiser's campaign touted support from a range of local officials, state lawmakers, and progressive organizations. The outcome means Bennet is expected to remain in the Senate, avoiding a major vacancy fight had he won the governorship in November.
With Polis term-limited and unable to seek another term, the Democratic primary winner is poised to take office in January. On the Republican side, Barb Kirkmeyer was leading the primary for governor, although the outcome was not yet certain. The GOP nominee faces an uphill battle against Weiser in November, given Colorado's recent electoral trends.
