Phil Weiser Defeats Michael Bennet in Colorado Democratic Primary for Governor
Phil Weiser, the Democratic attorney general of Colorado, achieved a surprising victory in the primary race for governor. According to The Associated Press, Weiser defeated Senator Michael Bennet, despite Bennet’s substantial financial resources and extensive support from the political establishment.
Just a year earlier, Weiser had been trailing Bennet by as much as 30 percentage points. However, he rallied by running a vigorous campaign. Weiser positioned himself as the candidate ready to confront President Trump and protect Colorado from the administration’s moves. As attorney general, he filed over 66 lawsuits against the Trump administration. These legal actions targeted issues such as funding cuts to Colorado and the controversial transfer of the U.S. Space Command from Colorado to Alabama, alongside immigration policies and tariffs.
Weiser appears to have a strong chance of winning the governor’s office in the November general election. Colorado has not chosen a Republican governor in over two decades, and Trump’s unpopularity with independent voters in the state adds to Weiser’s advantage.
The Republican candidacy remained undecided on Tuesday night. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a state legislator backed by mainstream Republicans, was competing closely with Victor Marx, a pastor known for his controversial narratives about his life, including claims of being forced to kill at a young age.
Although Democrats have controlled the state for years, both Weiser and Bennet called for new strategies to address rising housing and healthcare costs affecting families and businesses. They pledged to reduce regulations to boost home building and revive the economy.
For many voters, the differences between the two candidates were subtle. While some preferred Bennet’s proposals for state-run healthcare and emission capping, others believed Weiser would better support education and public schools. “They look alike on a lot of things,” commented Danielle Varda, a former school board member in Denver’s Jefferson County. She cast her vote for Weiser.
The campaign grew contentious in recent months as donations flowed in from super PACs and out-of-state contributors, including support for Bennet from Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire and former mayor of New York City. Both candidates released a series of ads attacking each other.
Weiser, though serving two terms as attorney general and previously as dean of the University of Colorado’s law school, managed to present himself as an underdog. Meanwhile, Bennet’s long tenure of 17 years in the Senate played into this narrative.