Particle.news

Weiser Defeats Bennet to Win Colorado Democratic Nomination

Weiser's upset secures the Democratic pick for governor and eliminates the prospect of a Senate vacancy.

Overview

  • Phil Weiser beat Sen. Michael Bennet in the Democratic primary, leading roughly 55% to 45% in early returns and being projected the winner after Tuesday's vote.
  • Weiser's victory makes him the early favorite in November in a state that has elected Democrats to the governorship for nearly two decades and keeps Bennet in the U.S. Senate through his current term.
  • The campaign turned on who could best oppose President Trump, with Weiser running on a record of repeatedly suing the Trump administration and citing more than 50 legal actions brought as attorney general.
  • Bennet's campaign and allied groups outspent pro‑Weiser efforts by nearly 2‑to‑1 on advertising, but late polling and prediction markets moved toward Weiser before results were called.
  • The Republican primary to choose Weiser's general‑election opponent remained too close to call on Tuesday between Barb Kirkmeyer and Victor Marx, leaving the GOP nominee uncertain and the November matchup unresolved.