Colorado holds a Tuesday Democratic gubernatorial primary to choose who will succeed term-limited Gov. Jared Polis. The contest is between U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and state Attorney General Phil Weiser. Both candidates are running for the same Democratic nomination, with the winner positioned to lead the state if they prevail in November’s general election.
Bennet has the support of key state Democratic figures, including endorsements from prominent party leaders such as Sen. John Hickenlooper and multiple members of Colorado’s congressional delegation. Weiser is described by sources as having mounted a strong statewide campaign as well.
The outcome also has national implications because Bennet’s position as a U.S. senator means that a Bennet-led move could affect the political balance in Washington. PBS NewsHour notes the primary could create an opening in the U.S. Senate, given the close partisan division. Overall, the race centers on who will take the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, while also influencing potential downstream developments in federal politics.
