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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.

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.

Manny Rutinel defeats Shannon Bird in closely watched 8th District race

The race in Denver's north suburbs is expected to help determine control of the U.S. House.

Election

Manny Rutinel <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won the Democratic nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072133341373993154" data-vars-content-id="3dc76505-7a75-476c-a814-99a6597fee60" data-vars-headline="Manny Rutinel defeats Shannon Bird in closely watched 8th District race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072133341373993154" target="_blank">won the Democratic nomination</a> Tuesday in Colorado&#x27;s 8th Congressional District, setting up a marquee matchup in November against Republican incumbent Gabe Evans for one of the nation&#x27;s most competitive House seats.Why it matters: The race in Denver&#x27;s northern suburbs could help decide control of the U.S. House. Democrats view Colorado&#x27;s 8th District as one of their best pickup opportunities after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican Gabe Evans unseated Democrat Yadira Caraveo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/10/caraveo-concedes-evans-colorado-8th-district-race" data-vars-content-id="3dc76505-7a75-476c-a814-99a6597fee60" data-vars-headline="Manny Rutinel defeats Shannon Bird in closely watched 8th District race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/11/10/caraveo-concedes-evans-colorado-8th-district-race" target="_self">Republican Gabe Evans unseated Democrat Yadira Caraveo</a> by less than a percentage point in 2024.

Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger

The result is a win for the Democratic establishment.

John Hickenlooper beat back a progressive challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzales on Tuesday, winning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Democratic nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-us-senate-democratic-primary-hickenlooper-gonzales" data-vars-content-id="5982f3a0-e26b-4c46-8ecc-3d8423f25381" data-vars-headline="Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger" 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-us-senate-democratic-primary-hickenlooper-gonzales" target="_self">the Democratic nomination</a> for U.S. Senate and advancing to the November general election in his bid for a second — and final — term, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AP reports" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072132526307512331" data-vars-content-id="5982f3a0-e26b-4c46-8ecc-3d8423f25381" data-vars-headline="Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072132526307512331" target="_blank">AP reports</a>.Why it matters: The result is a win for the Democratic establishment at a moment when progressive challengers are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing veteran incumbents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/09/progressive-democratic-party-establishment-2026-election" data-vars-content-id="5982f3a0-e26b-4c46-8ecc-3d8423f25381" data-vars-headline="Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/09/progressive-democratic-party-establishment-2026-election" target="_self">testing veteran incumbents</a> across the state and nationally.

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.

Jena Griswold wins Colorado's Democratic primary for AG

Griswold entered the race as the perceived frontrunner after nearly eight years as Colorado's chief elections official.

Jena Griswold won Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic primary for attorney general" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/06/23/colorado-democratic-attorney-general-doshi-griswold-daugherty-seligman" data-vars-content-id="2f1d6a2c-fc22-45b3-b055-efeaa9a19721" data-vars-headline="Jena Griswold wins Colorado&#x27;s Democratic primary for AG" 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-attorney-general-doshi-griswold-daugherty-seligman" target="_self">Democratic primary for attorney general</a> on Tuesday, making the two-term secretary of state the party&#x27;s nominee for one of the state&#x27;s most powerful elected offices, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the AP" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072129269266813186?s=20" data-vars-content-id="2f1d6a2c-fc22-45b3-b055-efeaa9a19721" data-vars-headline="Jena Griswold wins Colorado&#x27;s Democratic primary for AG" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AP_RaceCalls/status/2072129269266813186?s=20" target="_blank">according to the AP</a>.Why it matters: In a Democratic-controlled state, Griswold&#x27;s victory positions her as the likely frontrunner in the November general election, barring any major surprises.

5 things to watch on primary election night in Colorado

Colorado's most-watched primary election in recent history will determine the depth of its Democratic blue.

Colorado&#x27;s biggest primary in recent history will test what kind of Democratic Party voters really want.Why it matters: Colorado&#x27;s primary election is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lIHQoheG7TY" data-vars-content-id="c8e93129-91ce-4e5b-9ea6-22af44d0802e" data-vars-headline="5 things to watch on primary election night in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lIHQoheG7TY" target="_blank">drawing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/28/us/elections/colorado-governor-democratic-primary.html" data-vars-content-id="c8e93129-91ce-4e5b-9ea6-22af44d0802e" data-vars-headline="5 things to watch on primary election night in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/28/us/elections/colorado-governor-democratic-primary.html" target="_blank">national</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/28/politics/melat-kiros-democratic-socialist-colorado-diana-degette" data-vars-content-id="c8e93129-91ce-4e5b-9ea6-22af44d0802e" data-vars-headline="5 things to watch on primary election night in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/28/politics/melat-kiros-democratic-socialist-colorado-diana-degette" target="_blank">attention</a> as a harbinger of where the major political parties are headed — and whether voters are embracing establishment incumbents or pushing for change.

Politics 🇺🇸

Colorado Democrats bet on "big tent" after progressive surge

3 takeaways from Colorado's primary election

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

Michael Allen wins Colorado's GOP race for attorney general

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