Candidates decry dark money — and reap its benefits
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The leading Democrats in the 2026 governor's race are two of the most vocal critics of dark money in politics.
Yes, but: Both — U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser — are poised to benefit from dark money donors in the campaign.
Why it matters: The juxtaposition threatens to erode their records on a key issue among Democrats.
State of play: Bennet allies registered the state-level super PAC Rocky Mountain Way days after he entered the race in April and raised $950,000 in its first three months.
- The largest contributor is Brighter Future for Colorado, a nonprofit that donated $300,000 and isn't required to disclose its donors.
- Other major donations came from pro-charter school and education organizations that didn't report the source of the money.
Weiser's boosters formed their super PAC on July 22, and it's unclear who is behind the group. Donor information won't be available until October's campaign finance filing deadline.
Friction point: Bennet and Weiser have received past endorsements from the End Citizens United/Let America Vote political action committee, a group dedicated to overturning the 2010 Supreme Court decision that allowed unlimited political spending from private entities.
- In prior statements, Bennet touted himself as "a leading advocate for reforms to fight the influence of money in politics" and repeatedly introduced a constitutional amendment seeking to overturn Citizens United.
- Likewise, Weiser has blasted dark money special interests and voiced support for overturning Citizens United, calling it "a core passion."
The intrigue: The super PACs are not permitted to coordinate with the candidates' campaigns, but the candidates could publicly ask their donors not to support them or condemn their role this election cycle.
What they're saying: Neither candidate appears willing to speak out against the dark money in the race.
- In a statement, Bennet spokesperson Olivia Bercow said, "Unfortunately, super PACS are the reality of our broken campaign finance system."
- Weiser said in a statement that he "will continue to strongly oppose Citizens United and the flow of dark money into campaigns."