Overview

• Michael Bennet, Colorado's senior U.S. senator since 2009, has officially declared his candidacy to succeed term-limited Democratic Governor Jared Polis in the 2026 election.
• Bennet's campaign highlights state-level governance as a solution to national political dysfunction and aims to tackle Colorado's challenges, including affordable housing, healthcare access, and education funding.
• If elected, Bennet plans to appoint his own successor to the Senate, where his current term runs until 2028, ensuring a Democratic replacement for the seat.
• The race sets up a competitive Democratic primary against Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, who has already criticized Bennet's decision to leave Washington during a turbulent political period.
• Bennet has launched his campaign with endorsements from prominent Colorado Democrats, including Sen. John Hickenlooper, Reps. Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.