Phil Weiser’s Upset Win in Colorado Governor’s Primary

Phil Weiser, the attorney general of Colorado, achieved a surprise victory in the Democratic primary for governor. He surpassed Senator Michael Bennet, who had greater financial resources and backing from the establishment. This win was confirmed by The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Despite trailing by as much as 30 percentage points a year ago, Weiser ran a persistent campaign. He presented himself as the necessary choice to confront President Trump and protect Colorado, a Democratic stronghold, from federal pressures.

In his role as attorney general, Weiser filed over 66 lawsuits against the Trump administration. These legal challenges addressed issues such as funding reductions for Colorado, the relocation of the U.S. Space Command from Colorado to Alabama, and Trump’s immigration policies and tariffs.

Weiser is anticipated to have a favorable outcome in the November general election. Colorado has not elected a Republican governor in over two decades. Moreover, Trump has low approval ratings among independent voters in the state.

At the time, the Republican nomination for governor had not been decided. State lawmaker Barbara Kirkmeyer, with mainstream Republican backing, was closely competing with Victor Marx, a far-right pastor scrutinized for claims about his past, including an alleged incident at age 7.

Both Weiser and Bennet agreed on the need for change in Colorado despite years of Democratic leadership. They highlighted the high costs of housing and healthcare, pledging to ease regulations to spur home construction and boost the economy.

Both candidates had similar proposals. Bennet focused on a state-run healthcare system and emission caps, while Weiser emphasized support for education. Danielle Varda, a former school board member, noted their similarities but chose Weiser.

The campaign intensified with growing tension. Both candidates received significant donations from super PACs and prominent figures, including billionaire Michael R. Bloomberg, who supported Bennet.

Weiser, previously dean of the University of Colorado’s law school, positioned himself as the underdog against Bennet, who served 17 years in the Senate.