Full Breakdown
Colorado Democratic Gubernatorial Primary: Bennet vs. Weiser and the Senate Stakes
6/30/2026, 4:59:17 AM
The Contest
On June 30, 2026, Colorado Democrats will choose between U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser for governor. The winner will face Republican Rep. Scott Bottoms, Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, or Victor Marx in November.
Background & Context
President Donald Trump has targeted Colorado this year, cutting federal aid, closing a climate-research center, removing the U.S. Space Command headquarters, and vetoing a water-pipeline. Weiser called actions a “revenge campaign.” Democrats have held the governor’s office since 2007, winning nine of last 11 races.
Candidates & Positions
Bennet says he will stay in the Senate until inauguration and will appoint a successor under age 50, not letting Gov. Jared Polis choose. Weiser, who sued Trump 66 times, frames his run as a counter-punch and has ruled out Polis, calling the governor’s commutation of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters “disqualifying.”
Fundraising & Voter Landscape
Weiser has raised $6.5 million; Bennet $4.8 million. Colorado’s rolls list about 4.4 million voters: 1.1 million Democrats, 997 000 Republicans, 2.3 million unaffiliated. Early-vote totals show roughly 327 000 Democratic and 228 000 Republican ballots. Polls close at 7 p.m. MT.
Why It Matters
If Bennet wins, his Senate seat becomes vacant and the governor appoints a replacement until the 2028 election. Bennet’s plan to name a successor under 50 could shift the balance in a closely divided Senate, making the primary a de-facto referendum on Colorado’s response to Trump-era policies.
Official Statements & Responses
Bennet said he would “hold his seat right up until taking office” and “appoint his own replacement, rather than allowing Polis to make the pick.” Weiser called Trump’s Colorado actions a “revenge campaign.” Campaigns label the race a “toss-up.”
Criticism & Opposition
Weiser supporters criticize Polis for commuting Tina Peters, deeming it disqualifying. Some Democrats argue Bennet’s appointment plan is a maneuver that could advantage the party. Critics of Trump say his punitive measures aim to pressure Colorado’s leadership.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Associated Press has not yet declared winners; an automatic recount triggers if the margin falls below 0.5 % of the leader’s total. No contradictory fundraising figures appear in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “revenge campaign” — Phil Weiser
- “Weiser for governor! Bennet for Senate.” — supporters
- “Senate seat, allowing the governor to name a replacement until the next general election in 2028.” — AP
- “Bennet has said that he would hold his seat right up until taking office and appoint his own replacement, rather than allowing Polis to make the pick.” — AP
What’s Next
The Democratic nominee will face the Republican ticket in November. Should Bennet win, the governor’s appointment of a Senate successor will occur before the 2028 election, altering the Senate’s partisan balance. Recounts will be triggered if any margin falls under the 0.5 % threshold.
