Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser pulled off a significant upset by defeating Senator Michael Bennet in Tuesday's Democratic gubernatorial primary. Weiser's victory ended Bennet's plans to move from the Senate to the governor's office, while positioning Weiser strongly in Colorado, where the Democratic candidate is favored in the November general election.
Bennet, a three-term senator and 2020 presidential candidate, had secured the backing of a large portion of the state's Democratic establishment. Bennet's campaign announced the support of more than 200 Colorado leaders, including Senator John Hickenlooper, Representatives Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen.
Weiser, on the other hand, won the race with support from figures such as former Governor Roy Romer, former Representative Ed Perlmutter, former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, and former Senator Tim Wirth, as well as numerous local officials and progressive organizations. Serving two terms as attorney general, Weiser emphasized his legal experience and focus on justice in his campaign.
In Colorado, Democratic Governor Jared Polis cannot run again due to term limits after eight years in office. Therefore, the primary was critical in determining the party's candidate for November.
In the Republican primary, Barb Kirkmeyer is reported to be leading. However, whether Kirkmeyer or other candidates Victor Marx or Scott Bottoms become the nominee, the Republican candidate is expected to face a tough challenge against Weiser in November.
