Weiser's Upset Victory
Phil Weiser Defeats Michael Bennet in Democratic Primary, Connecting With Voters on Transgender Rights
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Phil Weiser defeated U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in the Democratic primary for Colorado governor by more than 13 percentage points, a margin that surprised many political observers. Denver Post reported that Weiser, who has served as Colorado's attorney general since 2019, built his winning coalition one voter at a time.
The race unfolded in what many called a strong anti-incumbent year for Democrats. Yet Weiser managed to outpace a well-known senator with decades of name recognition across the state.
A Phone Call That Shaped the Campaign
One moment stood out above the rest. A constituent called Weiser to express fear about the rollback of protections for transgender children. According to Daily Camera, Weiser promised to use his office to protect those rights. That call became a touchstone for how he ran his campaign — personal, direct, and focused on real concerns.
Weiser leaned into those one-on-one connections throughout the race. Rather than relying on big-stage moments, he built trust with voters by showing up and listening. That approach helped him stand out against Bennet's broader profile.
Bennet's Advantages Fell Flat With Primary Voters
Michael Bennet entered the race with real strengths. He had name recognition built over years in the U.S. Senate. He also had the backing of party insiders. But those advantages did not translate into votes on primary day, according to EP Trail.
Primary voters, it turns out, were not widely familiar with Bennet's record as a senator. Many Democrats simply did not connect his work in Washington to issues they felt at home. That gap gave Weiser room to run — and win.
Weiser's Record as Attorney General Fueled His Credibility
Weiser has led Colorado's attorney general office since 2019. That record gave him a concrete case to make to voters. He could point to real fights — on consumer protection, civil rights, and federal overreach — rather than just promises. Greeley Tribune noted that voters responded to that track record.
His work defending state-level rights against federal rollbacks was especially relevant. With Washington in flux, many Colorado Democrats wanted a governor who knew how to push back. Weiser's years in court gave him a ready-made argument.
A 13-Point Win Signals a Shift in Colorado Politics
Winning by more than 13 percentage points in a contested primary is a decisive result. It was not a close call or a narrow upset. According to Daily Camera, the margin showed that Weiser's message had real reach across the Democratic base.
The outcome sets up Weiser as the Democratic nominee heading into the general election for governor. He will carry momentum from an anti-incumbent climate that he managed to turn in his favor. The race showed that in Colorado, personal connection still beats political pedigree.
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