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Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor

Weiser's win makes him the favorite entering the November general election.

Politics & Policy

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser won <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Democratic nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-democratic-primary-governor-bennet-weiser" data-vars-content-id="973927f8-aeb0-4b48-a4de-affc1e7defd4" data-vars-headline="Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-democratic-primary-governor-bennet-weiser" target="_self">the Democratic nomination</a> for governor Tuesday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defeating" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137336775647527?s=20" data-vars-content-id="973927f8-aeb0-4b48-a4de-affc1e7defd4" data-vars-headline="Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137336775647527?s=20" target="_blank">defeating</a> U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in a primary upset that underscored voter frustration with Washington.Why it matters: Democrats have dominated statewide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-voter-guide-what-to-know-about-the-candidates-and-top-races" data-vars-content-id="973927f8-aeb0-4b48-a4de-affc1e7defd4" data-vars-headline="Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-voter-guide-what-to-know-about-the-candidates-and-top-races" target="_self">elections</a> for more than a decade, making Weiser the early favorite for November.

Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary

Melat Kiros is poised to become the first Black woman to represent Colorado in Congress.

Progressive upstart Melat Kiros completed a monumental upset <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="over U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/17/attack-ads-political-collusion-1st-district-primary" data-vars-content-id="55cc1477-02b3-4c33-85f3-6fbe24a59008" data-vars-headline="Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/17/attack-ads-political-collusion-1st-district-primary" target="_self">over U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette</a>, defeating the 15-time incumbent on Tuesday to secure the Democratic nomination in Colorado&#x27;s 1st Congressional District, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072169343215870142?s=20" data-vars-content-id="55cc1477-02b3-4c33-85f3-6fbe24a59008" data-vars-headline="Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072169343215870142?s=20" target="_blank">AP reports</a>.Why it matters: The 29-year-old&#x27;s victory proves that anti-establishment <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="victories in New York City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/mamdani-lander-valdez-chevalier-espaillat-goldman" data-vars-content-id="55cc1477-02b3-4c33-85f3-6fbe24a59008" data-vars-headline="Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/24/mamdani-lander-valdez-chevalier-espaillat-goldman" target="_self">victories in New York City</a> can be replicated, likely increasing anxiety for other Democratic incumbents.

Downtown Denver parking drops to $5 in new pilot

It's the latest experiment in the mayor's strategy to woo people back downtown after the pandemic.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/28/downtown-denver-mike-johnston-mary-nguyen-axios-live" data-vars-content-id="e532cc0b-13e4-4536-882f-1d61f45b9fd0" data-vars-headline="Downtown Denver parking drops to $5 in new pilot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/28/downtown-denver-mike-johnston-mary-nguyen-axios-live" target="_self">Downtown</a> parking just got a lot cheaper. Denver is rolling out a pilot that lets drivers park in about 3,000 spaces for $5.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest experiment in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/26/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-goals" data-vars-content-id="e532cc0b-13e4-4536-882f-1d61f45b9fd0" data-vars-headline="Downtown Denver parking drops to $5 in new pilot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/26/denver-mayor-mike-johnston-2026-goals" target="_self">Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s</a> turnaround strategy to lure people back downtown post-pandemic.

3 takeaways from Colorado's primary election

A socialist and an upset: Colorado's leftward primary

The candidates who pushed against the status quo racked up victories and kept races closer than expected.

Colorado progressives flexed their muscle in Tuesday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/30/what-to-watch-primary-election-night-colorado" data-vars-content-id="c6a58634-8fb8-4404-9ece-895dbb09e4a0" data-vars-headline="3 takeaways from Colorado&#x27;s primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/30/what-to-watch-primary-election-night-colorado" target="_self">Democratic primary</a>, scoring marquee wins up and down the ballot.Why it matters: The results suggest Colorado Democrats aren&#x27;t just rebuking President Trump — they&#x27;re increasingly demanding a more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confrontational brand of politics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/17/colorado-democrats-adopt-fighter-mentality-on-campaign-trail" data-vars-content-id="c6a58634-8fb8-4404-9ece-895dbb09e4a0" data-vars-headline="3 takeaways from Colorado&#x27;s primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/17/colorado-democrats-adopt-fighter-mentality-on-campaign-trail" target="_self">confrontational brand of politics</a>.

Colorado Democrats bet on "big tent" after progressive surge

Democrats' embrace of their left flank gives Republicans a direct line of attack heading into November.

Politics

Colorado Democrats are presenting a unified front after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday&#x27;s primary elevated progressives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-democratic-primary-results-takeaways" data-vars-content-id="ab74d71e-f7c4-4f1f-b37a-ae589158c827" data-vars-headline="Colorado Democrats bet on &quot;big tent&quot; after progressive surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/colorado-democratic-primary-results-takeaways" target="_self">Tuesday&#x27;s primary elevated progressives</a> across the ballot, betting their coalition — from moderates to democratic socialists — is an asset, not a liability.Why it matters: Democrats&#x27; embrace of their far-left wing gives Republicans a direct line of attack heading into November as they recast the party as more extreme.

Fort Collins named one of America's best towns to visit in 2026

The small city north of Denver is finally getting some national love.

Culture

Fort Collins landed at No. 5 on CNN Travel&#x27;s list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Best Towns to Visit in 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/travel/best-towns-america-list-2026" data-vars-content-id="82ae11cb-cbd6-4826-84cf-4fe56ebb2fc8" data-vars-headline="Fort Collins named one of America&#x27;s best towns to visit in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/travel/best-towns-america-list-2026" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Best Towns to Visit in 2026</a>, out Wednesday. Why it matters: This north-central Colorado city, about an hour from Denver, rarely gets national attention, making this recognition feel overdue.

Michael Allen wins Colorado's GOP race for attorney general

Allen is a career prosecutor and Navy veteran.

Michael Allen won the Republican nomination Tuesday in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado&#x27;s race for attorney general" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-gop-race-attorney-general-michael-allen-david-willson" data-vars-content-id="d0bf3852-692a-4ba6-9328-e8b10f64f391" data-vars-headline="Michael Allen wins Colorado&#x27;s GOP race for attorney general" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-gop-race-attorney-general-michael-allen-david-willson" target="_self">Colorado&#x27;s race for attorney general</a>, defeating fellow Republican David Willson, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137545228374130" data-vars-content-id="d0bf3852-692a-4ba6-9328-e8b10f64f391" data-vars-headline="Michael Allen wins Colorado&#x27;s GOP race for attorney general" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072137545228374130" target="_blank">per the AP</a>.Why it matters: Allen advances to a November showdown with Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Secretary of State Jena Griswold." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/jena-griswold-colorado-attorney-general-race" data-vars-content-id="d0bf3852-692a-4ba6-9328-e8b10f64f391" data-vars-headline="Michael Allen wins Colorado&#x27;s GOP race for attorney general" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/07/01/jena-griswold-colorado-attorney-general-race" target="_self">Secretary of State Jena Griswold.</a> A win would make him Colorado&#x27;s first Republican attorney general in nearly a decade.

Progressive secures Democratic nomination for Colorado secretary of state

The Jefferson County clerk's victory gives Colorado's progressive wing a significant primary-night win.

Amanda Gonzalez defeated state Sen. Jessie Danielson on Tuesday, winning the Democratic nomination for Colorado secretary of state, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6e27997c-e939-4ca5-af89-5ed279df7a22" data-vars-headline="Progressive secures Democratic nomination for Colorado secretary of state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/" target="_blank">according to the AP</a>. Why it matters: Her victory marks a breakthrough for Colorado&#x27;s progressive wing, showing Democratic voters were willing to reject an experienced legislator in favor of a candidate backed by the local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Denver is gearing up to write more parking tickets

If you've gotten comfortable parking illegally, your luck may be running out.

Denver drivers could soon see more parking tickets as the city rebuilds its parking enforcement workforce and rolls out a new online citation review system.Why it matters: Fines are no fun.

July Fourth's best and worst times to travel by car

The busiest July Fourth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/summer-travel-prices-destinations" data-vars-content-id="435b34de-4cda-46ae-985c-dc3d30113fff" data-vars-headline="July Fourth&#x27;s best and worst times to travel by car" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/29/summer-travel-prices-destinations" target="_self">travel</a> week since at least 2019 is upon us, AAA predicts.Why it matters: The right departure time could save you hours stuck in traffic.

How modular housing could help solve Denver's affordability crunch

A new development project has transformed a concrete platform into a four-story building in just days.

In the Santa Fe Arts District, a towering crane is stacking apartment units like LEGO blocks, transforming a concrete slab into a four-story building in just days.Why it matters: The project offers a glimpse at how Denver could build affordable housing faster — and cheaper — as the city confronts a shortage one recent analysis found could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="take nearly a century to erase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/25/denver-affordable-housing-crisis-three-generations" data-vars-content-id="c4c566a6-47a2-43c0-aa21-6f225a27c4fe" data-vars-headline="How modular housing could help solve Denver&#x27;s affordability crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/25/denver-affordable-housing-crisis-three-generations" target="_self">take nearly a century to erase</a> at today&#x27;s pace.

News 🗞

How to celebrate July 4 around Denver

Colorado Democrats bet on "big tent" after progressive surge

Fort Collins named one of America's best towns to visit in 2026

3 takeaways from Colorado's primary election

Kiros ousts U.S. Rep. DeGette in Colorado Democratic primary