Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser Triumphs Over Bennet in Gubernatorial Primary

Phil Weiser, the current Democratic attorney general of Colorado, achieved a surprising victory in the state’s primary election for governor. The Associated Press reported his win over Senator Michael Bennet, who had significant financial resources and support from the establishment.

Last year, Weiser was trailing Bennet by a substantial margin of 30 points. However, Weiser’s determined campaign focused on portraying himself as a strong opponent to President Trump. He argued that Colorado needed a governor who could withstand federal challenges and defend the state’s Democratic values.

As attorney general, Weiser initiated over 66 lawsuits against the Trump administration. These lawsuits contested funding reductions aimed at Colorado, the relocation decision of the U.S. Space Command headquarters to Alabama, and immigration policies along with tariffs imposed by Trump.

Weiser is widely expected to win the general election in November. Colorado has not seen a Republican governor in over two decades, and Trump’s unpopularity with the state’s independent voters continues.

The Republican nomination race had not concluded by Tuesday night. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a state legislator supported by many in the Republican mainstream, faced a challenging race against Victor Marx. Marx, a pastor with far-right views, has received attention for his controversial claims about his past, including an allegation of being forced to kill at age seven.

Despite Colorado’s Democratic leadership, both Weiser and Bennet emphasized the need for change. They recognized the impact of rising housing and health care costs, and both pledged to reduce regulations to boost home construction and revive the economy.

While their policies shared similarities, differences existed. Bennet advocated for a state-run health care system and emission caps, while Weiser positioned himself as a strong supporter of educators and public schools.

Danielle Varda, a former school board member and candidate for the state legislature, noted the similarities, but she chose to support Weiser. As the race heated up, substantial donations flowed in from super PACs and out-of-state supporters, including billionaire Michael R. Bloomberg, a Bennet backer.

The campaign saw a series of aggressive advertisements from both sides, attacking each other. Despite serving two terms as attorney general and being a former law school dean, Weiser established himself as an underfunded outsider against Bennet’s 17-year Senate tenure.