SouthernWorldwide.com – In a surprising turn of events, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has emerged victorious in the state’s Democratic primary for governor, defeating incumbent Senator Michael Bennet. This outcome blocks Bennet’s anticipated transition from the Senate to the governor’s mansion and positions Weiser as the frontrunner to succeed the term-limited Democratic Governor Jared Polis.
Weiser’s triumph over Bennet, a three-term senator and former presidential hopeful in 2020, represents a significant upset in what was anticipated to be one of the year’s most closely contested Democratic primaries. Given the state’s recent Democratic leanings in statewide elections, the winner of the Democratic nomination is widely expected to secure victory in November.
The election results also suggest that Senator Bennet will likely remain in his Senate seat, averting a potential contentious battle for his vacated position had he won the governorship.
Weiser’s campaign platform emphasizes his lifelong commitment to law, justice, and public service. His stated goal as governor is to uphold the rule of law, safeguard democracy, and ensure justice for all Coloradans.
The primary contest featured two prominent Colorado Democrats: Senator Michael Bennet, a seasoned legislator with presidential aspirations, and Phil Weiser, the current two-term Attorney General for the state. Governor Polis, a Democrat, is ineligible to seek re-election due to term limits after serving eight years.
Senator Bennet entered the primary with considerable backing from the Democratic establishment in Colorado. His campaign proudly listed endorsements from over 200 state leaders, including fellow Senator John Hickenlooper, Representatives Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, as well as state legislative leaders and various labor organizations.
Conversely, Weiser’s campaign highlighted endorsements from influential figures such as former Colorado Governor Roy Romer, former Representative Ed Perlmutter, former Denver Mayor Federico Peña, and former Senator Tim Wirth. He also garnered support from a substantial number of local officials, state lawmakers, and progressive groups.
During the campaign, Bennet advocated that his position as governor would provide a more effective platform to counter former President Trump and advance policy initiatives. Weiser, on the other hand, emphasized his experience as the state’s Attorney General and his legal background as the cornerstone of his gubernatorial bid.
As the Democratic primary results were being finalized, Barb Kirkmeyer was leading the Republican primary for governor. The eventual Republican nominee, whether Kirkmeyer or one of her challengers, Victor Marx or Scott Bottoms, is anticipated to face a challenging race against Weiser in the general election.
