Full Breakdown
Phil Weiser Upsets Michael Bennet to Secure Colorado Democratic Gubernatorial Nomination
7/2/2026, 8:23:54 AM
Weiser Wins Democratic Primary for Colorado Governor
On June 30, 2026, the Associated Press called Colorado’s Democratic gubernatorial primary for Attorney General Phil Weiser, who earned roughly 55 % of the vote (?349,000) to Senator Michael Bennet’s 45 % (?286,000).
Background & Context
Colorado has voted Democratic for governor since 2007 and has rejected Republican presidential candidates since 2016. The primary focused on each candidate’s record confronting former President Donald Trump, with Weiser highlighting over 60 lawsuits against the administration and Bennet emphasizing affordability and health-care policies.
Key Figures & Groups
Phil Weiser – Colorado attorney general, former law school dean; Michael Bennet – U.S. senator since 2009, former Denver school superintendent; Rocky Mountain Way – super PAC backing Bennet, raised > $11 million, $5.1 million from Michael Bloomberg; Fighting for Colorado – super PAC backing Weiser, raised ? $1.4 million; Republican contenders Victor Marx, Barbara Kirkmeyer, Scott Bottoms.
Timeline
April 2025 – Bennet announces run; early 2025 – Weiser enters; June 4, 2026 – debate on Senate replacement; June 30, 2026 – primary and AP call; July 2026 – general election.
Data & Statistics
Weiser: 349,318 votes (?55 %); Bennet: 286,372 votes (?45 %). Direct fundraising – Weiser $6.5 M, Bennet $4.8 M; super-PAC spend – Rocky Mountain Way > $11 M, Fighting for Colorado ? $1.4 M. Weiser’s office filed 66–67 suits; Bennet confirmed eight Trump cabinet picks and opposed fifteen.
Why It Matters
Weiser’s victory frames the general election as a contest between a self-styled Trump-fighter and a Republican field, while Bennet’s loss could leave his Senate seat vacant, affecting Senate balance.
Official Statements & Responses
Weiser pledged to “stand up to bullies” and keep Colorado’s future “in the hands of the people, not out-of-state billionaires.” Bennet argued his Senate seniority and committee chairmanships would benefit Colorado and called his own record on Trump nominees pragmatic.
Criticism & Opposition
Bennet accused Weiser of missing key multi-state lawsuits during Trump’s first term. Weiser countered by highlighting Bennet’s low Senate attendance—two votes out of 62 in June—and his confirmations of several Trump cabinet nominees.
On-the-Ground Reports
Denver watch parties filled standing-room-only venues, chanting “Phil! Phil! Phil!” after the AP call; Bennet’s supporters gathered at a Schoolyard Beer Garden.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Vote share varies: New York Times cites 54.7 %, El País 55 %, Denver Post “just under 56 %.” Lawsuit totals differ between 66, 67, and “at least 50.” Fundraising totals range from $6.5 M to $6.8 M for Weiser.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Democratic Party doesn’t show up, listen and fight,” — Phil Weiser, debate
- “I’ll always stand up to bullies. Especially Donald Trump. Congress isn’t doing it — but I am.” — Phil Weiser, campaign ad
- “The attorney general says he’s really tough but was completely missing in action in Donald Trump’s first term,” — Michael Bennet, debate
- “We the people — not the establishment — choose our leaders,” — Phil Weiser, victory speech
What’s Next
Weiser will meet the Republican nominee—Victor Marx, Barbara Kirkmeyer, or Scott Bottoms—in November. If elected, he succeeds Gov. Jared Polis; Bennet’s Senate seat stays vacant until an appointment, potentially shifting Senate control.
