Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser secured the Democratic nomination for governor on Tuesday, defeating three-term U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in a closely watched primary election. Weiser will now face the Republican nominee in the general election, aiming to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Jared Polis.
The primary race pitted two prominent Colorado Democrats against each other. Bennet, a former presidential candidate, entered the contest with endorsements from a significant portion of the state's Democratic establishment, including fellow Sen. John Hickenlooper and several members of Congress. Weiser's campaign garnered support from former Gov. Roy Romer, former Rep. Ed Perlmutter, and various progressive organizations.
During the campaign, Bennet argued that his experience as a U.S. Senator would enable him to be more effective in advancing policy and countering former President Donald Trump. Weiser, in turn, emphasized his background as the state's attorney general and his legal expertise.
Weiser's victory represents a significant upset and blocks Bennet's attempted transition from the Senate to the governor's mansion. The outcome means Bennet is expected to continue his Senate tenure. Republicans were also holding their primary on Tuesday, with Barb Kirkmeyer leading that contest.
