Phil Weiser defeats Michael Bennet in Colorado Democratic governor primary

Attorney General Phil Weiser won Colorado’s Democratic primary for governor on June 30, 2026, defeating U.S. Senator Michael Bennet by roughly ten points, according to the Associated Press call at 7:55 p.m. Weiser overcame a significant spending gap and a lower name‑recognition profile to secure the nomination, positioning him as the likely winner of the November gubernatorial election. The race marked the first time a Democrat has beaten a high‑profile incumbent senator in a statewide contest, as Republicans have not won a statewide office in Colorado since 2016.

Bennet’s campaign struggled with limited time on the campaign trail and questions about his motives for leaving the Senate. Weiser, an eight‑year veteran of the attorney‑general’s office, positioned himself as the more progressive alternative, emphasizing climate and health‑care issues. The Democratic primary outcome is expected to shape the state’s political landscape ahead of the general election, with the incumbent governor, term‑limited Democrat Jared Polis, set to step down.