The primary result also means Bennet is expected to remain in the U.S. Senate. Had he won the governorship, Colorado Democrats would likely have faced questions over how to fill the Senate seat, creating another high-profile political battle.
Weiser’s campaign emphasized his experience as the state’s attorney general and argued that his legal background made him well prepared to lead Colorado. His campaign website states: “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. Phil Weiser will continue to defend and protect every Coloradan across the state.”
The Democratic primary featured two of the state’s most prominent elected officials, creating a competitive race that drew significant attention throughout Colorado.
Bennet entered the contest with an impressive list of endorsements from Democratic leaders. His supporters included Sen. John Hickenlooper, Representatives Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, along with numerous state lawmakers, labor organizations, and more than 200 political and community leaders.
Despite that broad establishment support, Bennet was unable to secure enough votes to win the nomination.
Throughout the campaign, Weiser highlighted his record as Colorado’s top legal officer. He argued that his experience leading the attorney general’s office demonstrated the executive leadership needed to serve as governor and positioned him to address the state’s challenges effectively.
Weiser also assembled a coalition of influential supporters, including former Gov. Roy Romer, former Congressman Ed Perlmutter, former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, former Sen. Tim Wirth, local elected officials, state legislators, and several progressive organizations.
Bennet campaigned on the argument that he could accomplish more for Colorado as governor than as a member of the U.S. Senate. He frequently pointed to state-level leadership as an opportunity to advance Democratic priorities and respond to policies coming from the Trump administration.
Weiser countered by emphasizing his executive experience and his work overseeing legal challenges on behalf of the state. He argued that his background managing a statewide office made him well suited to lead Colorado’s executive branch.
The final result represented a disappointing outcome for Bennet, whose effort to exchange his Senate seat for the governor’s office fell short despite his statewide profile and years of service in Washington.
With Polis leaving office after serving two terms, the Democratic nomination carries added significance. Weiser now enters the general election with momentum and a favorable political landscape.
On the Republican side, Barb Kirkmeyer held the lead in the GOP gubernatorial primary Tuesday evening after Democrats had already projected Weiser as their nominee. Victor Marx and Scott Bottoms remained behind as votes continued to be counted.
Whoever ultimately secures the Republican nomination will face a difficult challenge this fall. Colorado has increasingly favored Democratic candidates in statewide elections over the past several election cycles, making the governor’s race an uphill battle for the GOP.
For Bennet, the primary served as a reminder that widespread endorsements and years of national political experience do not always translate into victories with primary voters. For Weiser, the win represents the most significant political achievement of his career and puts him one election away from becoming Colorado’s next governor.
