Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor
Axios
—
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser won https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-democratic-primary-governor-bennet-weiser" target="_blank">the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday, https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137336775647527?s=20" target="_blank">defeating U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in a primary upset that underscored voter frustration with Washington.
Why it matters: Democrats have dominated statewide https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-voter-guide-what-to-know-about-the-candidates-and-top-races" target="_blank">elections for more than a decade, making Weiser the early favorite for November.
State of play: The primary was a test of Democrats' appetite for establishment experience versus a more combative state-focused posture.
- Weiser cast himself as https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/17/colorado-democrats-adopt-fighter-mentality-on-campaign-trail" target="_blank">the "fighter" against President Trump, pointing to more than 65 lawsuits his office filed against the administration.
By the numbers: Weiser led Bennet 55% to 45%, according to early returns posted by the Secretary of State's Office.
- https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137336775647527?s=20" target="_blank">AP called the race for Weiser less than an hour after polls closed at 7pm.
Between the lines: With https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/26/phil-weiser-michael-bennet-differences-democratic-governor" target="_blank">little ideological daylight between the candidates, the race hinged on who Democrats trusted most to https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/08/weiser-attack-bennet-first-tv-debate-governor-race" target="_blank">fight Trump.
- Bennet entered the race with deep name recognition and even deeper pockets after years in the U.S. Senate and a https://www.axios.com/2019/05/02/2020-presidential-election-michael-bennet" target="_blank">2020 presidential campaign.
- Weiser gained momentum late by https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/30/what-to-watch-primary-election-night-colorado" target="_blank">shifting to a more progressive posture.
What's next: Bennet's loss eliminates the prospect of a closely watched appointment or special election scramble to replace him in the Senate.
He has two years left on his current term.