Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser scored a significant upset Tuesday, defeating three-term Sen. Michael Bennet in the Democratic primary for governor and ending Bennet’s bid to leave the Senate for the governor’s mansion.
The victory gives Weiser a strong chance to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Jared Polis in a state that has become increasingly favorable to Democrats in statewide elections.
Advertisement
Bennet, one of Colorado’s best-known Democrats and a former 2020 presidential candidate, entered the race as the establishment favorite.
His campaign was backed by Sen. John Hickenlooper, Reps. Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, along with numerous state lawmakers, labor organizations, and more than 200 Democratic leaders across Colorado.
Despite that support, Democratic primary voters chose Weiser instead.
Advertisement
The two-term attorney general built his campaign around his record as Colorado’s top legal officer, arguing that his executive experience and courtroom battles made him the best candidate to lead the state.
“Phil has dedicated his life to the law, justice, and public service,” Weiser’s campaign states on its website.
Advertisement
“As your Governor he will continue to advance the rule of law, protect our democracy, and promote justice for all. Phil Weiser will continue to defend and protect every Coloradan across the state.”
Weiser also assembled a significant coalition of supporters that included former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, former Rep. Ed Perlmutter, former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, former Sen. Tim Wirth, local officials, state legislators and progressive organizations.
Throughout the campaign, Bennet argued he could accomplish more as governor than he could remaining in the Senate.
He frequently emphasized his desire to challenge President Donald Trump and advance Democratic priorities from the governor’s office.
Weiser countered by arguing Colorado needed an experienced executive who had already demonstrated a willingness to take legal action on behalf of the state.
Voters ultimately sided with that message.
The result represents one of the biggest political victories of Weiser’s career while handing Bennet a disappointing defeat after months of campaigning.
It also avoids what could have become a complicated political battle over Bennet’s Senate seat had he won the governorship in November.
Instead, Bennet is expected to remain in the Senate and continue serving the remainder of his current term.
With the Democratic nomination secured, Weiser now advances to the general election as the favorite in a state where Democrats have dominated recent statewide contests.
Republicans were still counting votes Tuesday night.
State Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer held the lead in the Republican gubernatorial primary after the Democratic race had already been called.
Advertisement
Victor Marx and Scott Bottoms trailed in the GOP contest.
Whoever ultimately secures the Republican nomination will face a difficult path in the general election given Colorado’s recent voting trends.
The state has steadily shifted toward Democrats in statewide races over the past decade, making any Republican statewide campaign an uphill battle.
Democrat Phil Weiser is the overwhelming favorite to be Colorado’s next Governor. He says Colorado would be better served with a more competitive Republican party.
“Competition makes us stronger,” Weiser said. “It’s not healthy for any state to have one party that’s dominant.” pic.twitter.com/1e2eK0f3EB
— Kyle Clark (@KyleClark) July 2, 2026
After defeating Sen. Michael Bennet in a stunning comeback, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser says, “I do think there’s one important lesson that everyone who wants to be in public office needs to take on board. Nobody’s entitled to anything just because you’ve been in… pic.twitter.com/kHHbvj5tHO
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) July 2, 2026
For Weiser, Tuesday’s result marks the culmination of years spent building a statewide political profile as attorney general.
If he prevails in November, he will become Colorado’s next governor, succeeding Polis after two terms in office, Trending Politics reported.
The primary outcome also underscores the unpredictable nature of Democratic politics, where even well-funded candidates with broad institutional support can fall short when voters opt for a different vision for the party’s future.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
