Story perspectives

Weiser Beats Bennet, Wins Colorado Democratic Gubernatorial Primary

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Phil Weiser used his record of suing President Donald Trump to outpace Senator Michael Bennet and win Democratic gubernatorial primary, with AP calling it 55%-45%.
Weiser raised $6.5 million and topped Bennet’s $4.8 million in direct contributions.
Bennet’s super PAC Rocky Mountain Way raised $11 million plus $5.1 million from former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Weiser’s win keeps the governorship Democratic; Republicans have not won a statewide race in Colorado since 2016.

History

Historical Context

After Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy in April 2015, her campaign and the Democratic National Committee had raised $110 million by September, a sum that dwarfed resources available to Bernie Sanders and many contenders. The stark fundraising gaps—exemplified later in 2016 by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and Senator Michael Bennet—rekindled debates over the Citizens United money surge and calls for tighter donation limits.

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Story summary

Attorney General Phil Weiser used his record of suing President Donald Trump to outpace Senator Michael Bennet and win Democratic gubernatorial primary, with AP calling it 55%-45%.
Weiser raised $6.5 million and topped Bennet’s $4.8 million in direct contributions.
Bennet’s super PAC Rocky Mountain Way raised $11 million plus $5.1 million from former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Weiser’s win keeps the governorship Democratic; Republicans have not won a statewide race in Colorado since 2016.

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