Phil Weiser, Colorado’s Democratic attorney general, achieved a surprising victory in the state’s primary election for governor. This outcome, reported by the Associated Press, saw him defeating Senator Michael Bennet, despite Bennet’s significant financial and establishment backing.
A year ago, Weiser trailed Bennet by up to 30 percentage points. Through persistent campaigning, he positioned himself as the ideal candidate to challenge President Trump and protect Colorado from federal government decisions. In his role as attorney general, Weiser filed over 66 lawsuits against the Trump administration. These lawsuits addressed issues such as funding cuts affecting Colorado, the relocation of the U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama, and crackdowns on immigration and tariffs.
Weiser is favored to win the upcoming general election in November. Colorado has not elected a Republican governor in more than two decades, and Trump holds little popularity with the state’s independent voters.
The Republican primary results remained undecided on Tuesday night. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a state lawmaker with mainstream Republican backing, was in a close contest with Victor Marx, a far-right pastor. Marx has faced scrutiny over claims about his ministry and personal history, including an assertion that he was forced to kill a man at age seven.
Despite Democratic dominance in Colorado, both Weiser and Bennet recognized the need for a shift in direction. They acknowledged high costs in housing and health care, which drive residents and businesses away. Both vowed to reduce regulations to boost homebuilding and economic revival. Voters found few differences between their proposals. While some favored Bennet’s plan for a state-run health care system or emission caps, others supported Weiser as a stronger advocate for educators and public schools.
During the closing months, the primary race became contentious. Large donations flowed from super PACs and out-of-state supporters, including Michael R. Bloomberg, who backed Bennet. Attack ads from both campaigns increased as the race tightened.
Despite serving two terms as attorney general and previously leading the University of Colorado Law School, Weiser portrayed himself as an underdog against Bennet, a 17-year Senate veteran.
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