Phil Weiser, the Democratic attorney general of Colorado, emerged victorious in the state’s primary election for governor, defeating Senator Michael Bennet. Weiser positioned himself as the stronger adversary to President Trump, winning despite Bennet having greater financial resources and establishment support.
A year prior to the election, Weiser lagged behind Bennet by as much as 30 percentage points. However, Weiser ran a vigilant campaign, emphasizing the need for Colorado’s next governor to challenge President Trump and safeguard the state from administration actions. As attorney general, Weiser filed over 66 lawsuits against the Trump administration, contesting issues such as funding reductions targeting Colorado and the relocation of the U.S. Space Command headquarters to Alabama.
Weiser is the favorite to win Colorado’s November general election. The state hasn’t elected a Republican governor in over two decades, and Trump’s unpopularity with independent voters adds to Weiser’s advantage.
The Republican primary race remained undecided Tuesday night. Candidates Barbara Kirkmeyer, a state lawmaker backed by mainstream Republicans, and Victor Marx, a pastor with controversial claims about his ministry, were in close competition.
Despite years under Democratic governance, both Weiser and Bennet campaigned for change in Colorado’s direction. They acknowledged high housing and healthcare costs were pushing families and businesses away, and promised to reduce regulations to invigorate home building and improve the economy. Voters found few differences in their platforms but noted Bennet’s support for state-run healthcare and Weiser’s advocacy for education.
During the final months leading up to the primary, the race intensified with super PAC contributions and support from donors like Michael Bloomberg for Bennet. Both candidates launched aggressive campaign ads.
Weiser, despite his tenure as attorney general and former position as dean of the University of Colorado’s law school, successfully portrayed himself as an underdog against Bennet, a senator for 17 years.
Jack Healy is a journalist based in Colorado, covering the western and southwestern regions for The Times.