Colorado’s political landscape shifted significantly on Friday as U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado, declared his candidacy for governor in 2026. This marks the second entry into the race to replace Governor Jared Polis, who is term-limited and cannot seek reelection.
Attorney General Phil Weiser, also a Democrat, previously announced his intention to run. Weiser has garnered attention as a vocal critic of policies enacted during the Trump administration, frequently collaborating with other state attorneys general on legal challenges.
“From expanding vital tax credits to securing substantial investment in Colorado’s infrastructure, we’ve achieved tangible progress working together,” Bennet stated via social media. “Now is the time to continue building a Colorado where everyone can thrive.”
Bennet has publicly voiced concerns about the Democratic Party’s current image, suggesting that its branding has contributed to a decline in trust among working-class voters.
Having served over sixteen years in the Senate, Bennet secured re-election in 2022. A successful run for governor would necessitate his departure from the Senate before the conclusion of his existing six-year term.
- Bennet previously sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2019 but withdrew from the race prior to the 2020 election.
Recent legislative activity within Colorado has seen swift passage of bills related to abortion and transgender rights during a limited session, drawing criticism as potentially unprecedented.
