Michael Bennet
Coverage of Michael Bennet in the Nexus archive.
- How did Denver vote? Let’s go to the maps!
Melat Kiros defeated Rep. Diana DeGette in Denver's 1st Congressional District primary with 53.2% of the vote, winning precincts across city center, west, and north Denver. Voter turnout in Denver's 2026 primary reached 40% of active voters, higher than 2024 and 2022 but similar to 2018. Phil Weiser won Denver's gubernatorial primary with 66% of the vote, while state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer led Republican primary support in Denver with 51%.
- The Democratic primaries showed cracks in the party. Leaders say they’re moving past it
Colorado Democrats gathered to show unity after a divisive primary season, with candidates like Michael Bennet, Phil Weiser, and John Hickenlooper emphasizing collaboration despite past conflicts. The party chair highlighted its diversity and readiness to win, while Republicans criticized Democrats as socialists. Notable absences included Rep. Diana DeGette and other primary winners.
- The Memo: Left’s winning streak extends in Colorado despite Trump, centrist attacks
The leftist movement in Colorado's Democratic politics led to the defeat of Rep. Diana DeGette and Sen. Michael Bennet's gubernatorial bid, prompting Democrats to reconsider their party direction despite challenges from Trump and centrist opponents.
- Something Is Happening in the Democratic Base
Progressive candidates in Colorado defeated moderate Democrats in primary elections, reflecting broader dissatisfaction within the Democratic base. Voters increasingly favor candidates perceived as anti-establishment, challenging both party leaders and political norms.
- Littwin: The Colorado political world turned upside down, with Phil Weiser and Melat Kiros on top
Phil Weiser upset Michael Bennet in Colorado politics, leveraging luck and skill. Weiser's success was attributed to his strategic use of Donald Trump as a contrast and his ability to pressure Bennet consistently.
- Colorado's insurgent wave proves Democrats want fighters
Colorado's anti-establishment candidates, including democratic socialist Melat Kiros and Phil Weiser, defeated prominent Democratic figures like Diana DeGette and Michael Bennet, reflecting voter frustration with party leadership. The victories highlight a shift towards candidates positioning themselves as fighters against political insiders.
- Bennet loses bid for Colorado governor as progressives keep momentum
Colorado Democrats rejected Michael Bennet’s bid for governor, nominating Phil Weiser. Diana DeGette trailed Melat Kiros in her district, with Kiros backed by Democratic Socialists of America. Manny Rutinel won the 8th District nomination over Shannon Bird, who was supported by Blue Dog Democrats.
- Weiser defeats Bennet for Democratic nod in Colorado governor’s race
Phil Weiser is projected to defeat Michael Bennet for the Democratic nomination in Colorado's governor's race, according to Decision Desk HQ. Bennet was initially considered the favorite in the race.
- Anti-Trump senator defeated by far-left rival after heated gubernatorial primary
Phil Weiser defeated Michael Bennet in Colorado's Democratic primary for governor, preventing Bennet's move from the Senate to the governor's residence. Weiser is positioned as the favorite in November's election, while Bennet is expected to remain in the Senate. The primary highlighted a split within Colorado's Democratic establishment, with Weiser leveraging his legal background and Bennet relying on institutional support.
- Anti-Trump senator defeated by far-left rival after heated gubernatorial primary
Phil Weiser defeated Sen. Michael Bennet in Colorado's Democratic primary for governor, positioning him as the likely candidate to replace term-limited Gov. Jared Polis. Bennet's loss means he will remain in the Senate, avoiding a potential vacancy. Weiser's campaign emphasized his legal background, while Bennet argued for his Senate experience in fighting Trump.
- Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser wins Democratic primary for governor
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser won the Democratic nomination for governor, defeating U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet. The race focused on which candidate had challenged President Donald Trump more effectively. Weiser is favored to win in November in the blue state, with the Republican primary featuring Scott Bottoms, Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Victor Marx.
- Phill Weiser wins Democratic primary for Colorado governor
Phill Weiser won the Democratic primary for Colorado governor with over 54% of the vote. The race included Sen. Michael Bennet as a candidate, and the Republican primary featured Scott Bottoms, Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Victor Marx.
- Phil Weiser Upsets Michael Bennet in Colorado Democratic Governor Primary
Phil Weiser defeated Michael Bennet in the Colorado Democratic Governor Primary. Weiser, Colorado's Attorney General, campaigned at Bluebird Café in Glenwood Springs.
- Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor
Phil Weiser defeated Michael Bennet in the Colorado Democratic primary for governor, winning 55% to 45% as voter frustration with Washington contributed to the upset. Bennet had high name recognition and campaign funds from his Senate career and 2020 presidential bid, while Weiser positioned himself as a fighter against President Trump.
- Phil Weiser overcomes big spending, name ID to beat Michael Bennet in Colorado’s Democratic primary for governor
Phil Weiser defeated Michael Bennet in Colorado's Democratic primary for governor. The Associated Press called the race for Weiser when he was leading by 10 percentage points.
- Colorado Democrats choose between insurgent progressives and veteran incumbents
Colorado's Democratic primaries highlight a divide between progressive challengers and veteran incumbents in key races for Congress, Senate, and governor. Incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette faces 29-year-old democratic socialist Melat Kiros, while Sen. John Hickenlooper is challenged by state Sen. Julie Gonzales. Democratic socialists gained traction in primary processes, with Kiros receiving support from Sen. Bernie Sanders.
- Live updates: 2026 Colorado primary election
Colorado's 2026 primary election is underway with polls closing at 7 p.m. Key races include the gubernatorial primary featuring Michael Bennet, Phil Weiser, Barbara Kirkmeyer, Scott Bottoms, and Victor Marx. Voters are also selecting candidates for U.S. Senate, House seats, attorney general, secretary of state, and state legislature.
- Super PAC supporting Phil Weiser’s campaign for governor gets $50,000 from dark money group
A Super PAC supporting Phil Weiser’s campaign for governor received $50,000 from a dark money group. Weiser, Colorado’s attorney general, has criticized his primary opponent, Michael Bennet, for being backed by dark money.
- AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Colorado’s state primary
Colorado Democratic voters will choose between U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser in a gubernatorial primary to replace term-limited Governor Jared Polis. Republicans will select a nominee from Scott Bottoms, Barb Kirkmeyer, or Victor Marx, who leads in fundraising and external ad spending.
- AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Colorado's state primary
Colorado Democratic voters will choose between U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and state Attorney General Phil Weiser in a gubernatorial primary. The outcome could impact a potential vacancy in the U.S. Senate if Bennet wins and replaces his seat, while Republicans select a nominee among Scott Bottoms, Barb Kirkmeyer, or Victor Marx, the latter leading in fundraising and external ad spending.
- AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Colorado's state primary
Colorado's state primary will determine Democratic and Republican gubernatorial nominees, with U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and state Attorney General Phil Weiser competing for the Democratic nomination. The winner will face a Republican candidate, likely Victor Marx, who leads in fundraising. Bennet's potential victory could impact the U.S. Senate seat, as he would need to vacate it if elected governor.
- Jim Morrissey: The Dems’ two-headed gubernatorial candidate
Cartoonist Jim Morrissey notes that Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser have strikingly similar positions in the Democratic gubernatorial nomination race.
- Phil Weiser leads Michael Bennet in new poll, with Colorado’s Democratic primary for governor coming down to undecided voters
Phil Weiser leads Michael Bennet in a Colorado Democratic primary poll for governor, with 45% support for Weiser, 36% for Bennet, and 19% undecided. The poll was commissioned by a group supporting Weiser.
- Colorado voter guide: These are the candidates for the 2026 primary election this June
Colorado voters will cast ballots in the 2026 primary election on June 30. Key races include the gubernatorial contest with candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as races for attorney general, secretary of state, and U.S. Senate. Voters have multiple options to submit ballots, including drop boxes, voter centers, and in-person voting.
- Who would Michael Bennet pick to replace himself in the Senate? He’s narrowed it down — to 500,000 people.
Michael Bennet has narrowed his potential replacement in the Senate to 500,000 people. A vote for Bennet in the primary is effectively a vote for a new senator in 2027.
- Looking for areas where Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser differ on policy? There aren’t many.
Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser, Democrats running for Colorado governor, have focused their campaign contrasts on President Donald Trump rather than issues like housing and taxes. The article notes there are few policy differences between the two candidates.
- Did Weiser really bail on a debate? The charge itself tells us Bennet is worried about the race.
The Colorado governor campaign is considered close, with Michael Bennet loaning his campaign a million dollars, suggesting potential concerns about the race's outcome.
- Michael Bennet loans his campaign for governor $1M as support from Michael Bloomberg surpasses $4.6M
Michael Bennet loans his campaign for governor $1M as support from Michael Bloomberg exceeds $4.6M. The increased spending highlights a tightening race between Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser in Colorado's Democratic gubernatorial primary.
- Michael Bennet, Phil Weiser clash over ambition and housing in last major debate before Democratic governor’s primary
Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser debated at a Colorado State University forum moderated by The Colorado Sun, focusing on ambition and housing. The event occurred two weeks before the June 30 Democratic governor’s primary.
- Voter guide: Where the 2026 Colorado Democratic Party gubernatorial candidates stand on education
Chalkbeat Colorado analyzed the education records of 2026 Colorado Democratic Party gubernatorial candidates, focusing on U.S. Senator Michael Bennet's career in education, including his tenure as Denver Public Schools superintendent and his legislative efforts. Bennet's platform includes raising educator wages, expanding career training, and improving mental health resources in schools.
- Littwin: A tale of two Colorado gubernatorial debates — one told us too little, the other much too much
The Colorado gubernatorial primary debates featured a Democratic race between Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser, where candidates showed little differentiation, and a Republican debate with Victor Marx, Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Scott Bottoms that revealed disqualifying information about two candidates. The article critiques the Democratic debate for rehashing existing arguments and the Republican debate for excessive disclosures, including issues related to wildfire resources and food stamp policies.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package with a 52-47 vote, advancing Republican efforts to fund immigration and deportation activities for three years without new restrictions on federal agents. The bill, which faces criticism for bypassing the annual budget process, moves to the House and could be signed by President Donald Trump soon.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package with a 52-47 vote, largely along party lines, to fund immigration and deportation activities for three years without new restrictions on federal agents. Sen. Lisa Murkowski was the only Republican to oppose the bill, criticizing its bypass of the annual funding process and lack of constraints on fund usage.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement package on June 5, 2026, with a 52-47 vote, providing funding for three years without new restrictions on federal immigration agents. The measure, opposed by most Democrats and one Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski, aims to advance funding to the House for potential presidential approval.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package with a 52-47 vote, advancing Republican priorities without Democratic-negotiated restrictions on federal immigration agents. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposed the bill, criticizing its bypassing of annual funding processes, while Majority Leader John Thune stated the measure was necessitated by Democrats 'walking away' from negotiations.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package with a 52-47 vote, sending it to the House for potential approval by President Donald Trump. The bill funds immigration and deportation activities for three years without new restrictions on federal immigration agents, with Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski as the sole Republican opposing the measure.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package with a 52-47 vote, bypassing annual budget negotiations. The bill, criticized by some Republicans and Democrats, provides three-year funding for federal immigration agencies without new restrictions. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposed the measure, while Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet did not vote.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement package with a 52-47 vote, advancing Republican efforts to fund immigration and deportation activities without new restrictions on federal agents. The measure bypasses annual funding negotiations, drawing criticism from some Republicans and Democrats, including Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who argued it weakens legislative oversight and prioritizes deportations over addressing economic issues.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package without new restrictions on federal agents. The 52-47 vote sent the measure to the House, with Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposing it and Sen. Michael Bennet absent. Republicans claimed Democrats abandoned negotiations that could have imposed limits on immigration agencies.
- Republicans push $70B for immigration enforcement through US Senate, with no limits on ICE
The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package on June 5, 2026, with a 52-47 party-line vote. The measure provides three years of funding without new restrictions on federal immigration agents, bypassing annual budget negotiations. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposed the bill, criticizing its bypass of the standard funding process and lack of funding constraints.