Phil Weiser, the Democratic Attorney General of Colorado, secured a surprising victory in the primary election for governor. This victory came against Senator Michael Bennet, who had more funding and establishment backing. The Associated Press confirmed Weiser’s win, highlighting his campaign as the stronger opposition to President Trump.
A year prior, Weiser lagged behind Bennet by as much as 30 percentage points. His relentless campaign emphasized the need for a governor who would combat President Trump’s policies and shield Colorado from federal challenges. As Attorney General, Weiser filed over 66 lawsuits against the Trump administration, opposing funding cuts to Colorado, the relocation of the U.S. Space Command from Colorado to Alabama, and actions related to immigration and tariffs.
Weiser is viewed as the frontrunner for Colorado’s general election in November. The state has not chosen a Republican governor in over two decades, and Trump is notably unpopular among independent voters within Colorado.
The Republican nominee race in the state was still undecided on Tuesday night. Barbara Kirkmeyer, an influential state lawmaker with broad Republican support, faced a competitive race against Victor Marx. Marx, a pastor with far-right views, attracted attention due to controversial claims regarding his life and ministry, such as an assertion that he was forced to kill at age seven.
Despite years of Democratic leadership in Colorado, both Weiser and Bennet argued for a shift in direction for the state. They pointed out that high housing and healthcare costs were pushing residents and businesses out of the state. Both candidates promised to ease regulations to spur homebuilding and revive Colorado’s economy.
Voters found it challenging to differentiate the candidates’ plans. Some preferred Bennet’s proposal for a state-run healthcare system and pollution caps. Others believed Weiser would better support teachers and public education. Danielle Varda, a former school board member running for the state legislature, noted the similarity in their platforms but opted to support Weiser.
The campaign became acrimonious as it progressed, with super PACs and external donors, including former New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, contributing significantly to Bennet’s campaign. Both candidates released numerous attack ads, targeting each other’s records and campaign strategies.
Despite his experience as attorney general and his previous role as dean of the University of Colorado’s law school, Weiser positioned himself as the underfunded outsider against Bennet, who has been a senator for 17 years.
Jack Healy reports from Colorado and covers the western and southwestern regions for The Times.