Michael Bennet pledges to defeat "Trumpism" in bid for governor
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U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet announced Friday he is running for Colorado governor at City Park in Denver. Photo: Hyoung Chang/Denver Post via Getty Images
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet made his bid for governor official on Friday, saying that Colorado "can be an example to the rest of the country in how to fight Trump and drive a stake through Trumpism."
State of play: Bennet, 60, is the highest-profile contender to enter the Democratic primary for governor and he outlined a status quo agenda focused on making Colorado more affordable and attractive to businesses.
He positioned himself in the state's political middle and aligned with its previous three Democratic governors, praising the most recent work of Gov. Jared Polis.
- What sets him apart, Bennet said, is his experience. He is currently in his 17th year as a U.S. senator and previously served as Denver Public Schools superintendent and worked in the private sector for Philip Anschutz, the billionaire conservative donor.
What he's saying: "There isn't anybody in Colorado who's better situated to bring us together ... to have the important discussions we need to have," he told reporters after his announcement in Denver 's City Park.
Between the lines: When it comes to dividing lines within the party, Bennet sidestepped a question about whether he backed the repeal of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) and expressed support for the state's oil and gas industry to achieve "energy independence."
The intrigue: Democratic leaders rallied around the campaign with endorsements from U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, as well as U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, both of whom are contenders for Bennet's seat.
Friction point: Bennet intends to keep his U.S. Senate seat during the campaign, an unusual arrangement that will shorten his time in Colorado. He also plans to hand-pick his successor.
- "I think there's an important place to fight Donald Trump in the Senate, and there's an important place to fight Donald Trump in the states," Bennet said. He added: "I believe that being governor will allow me not just to continue to lead that fight against Trump, but also help us build a positive vision for the future."
- He brushed aside a question from Axios about whether the state deserves a full-time senator. "I've been a full-time senator ever since I've been there and I will be a full-time senator all the way through," he responded.
What to watch: Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser — whom Bennet called "a great friend" — entered the race in January and is positioning himself as the true fighter against President Trump, citing the numerous lawsuits he's filed to protect the state's interests.
- The winner of the Democratic primary is expected to cruise to victory in November 2026.