This story by Lindsey Toomer appeared on Colorado Newsline on April 10, 2025.
Michael Bennet confirmed Friday he is running in the 2026 election to be Colorado’s next governor.
The U.S. senator, a Denver Democrat, was appointed to his seat in 2009 and elected in 2010, 2016 and 2022. He served as superintendent of Denver Public Schools and as chief of staff for then-Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper before he went to Washington, D.C.
Axios first reported Thursday that Bennet was running.
Accomplishments his campaign touted from his time in the Senate include passing a measure to expand the child tax credit during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting Biden-administration policies including the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and working to bring and keep U.S. Space Command to Colorado.
In a statement announcing his bid, Bennet said Colorado has historically been “an example of leadership” for the country, but now people cannot afford to live in the state and the state government is in a budget crisis. He said President Donald Trump has “waged an all-out assault on our values and economy.”
“I’m running for governor to build a brighter future in Colorado and give people a chance at a better life,” Bennet said in a statement. “The best solutions to our challenges will not come from Washington’s broken politics. They will come from us. Together, we can make Colorado the best state to live, work, and raise a family in, and provide the leadership and vision our country needs.”
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, the only other prominent Democrat to officially enter the race for governor so far, said in a statement that while Bennet has been in Washington, D.C., he has been working directly with people in Colorado “as the People’s Lawyer.”
“I am the fighter Colorado needs as our next governor. Two years ago, the voters sent Senator Bennet back to DC because we believed he would be there for us no matter what — especially in historically dangerous moments like the one we currently face,” Weiser said. “Now more than ever, we need experienced Democratic leaders in Washington.”
Weiser added: “We must protect Colorado and oppose Trump’s illegal actions, not appease him.” Bennet voted in support of confirming several Trump cabinet nominees.
Democratic candidate William Moses also filed paperwork to run with the Colorado secretary of state’s office. Whoever wins the Democratic nomination will likely be favored to win the general election. Colorado hasn’t had a Republican governor since Gov. Bill Owens left office after the 2006 election.
Republican candidates to announce a run for governor include state Sen. Mark Baisley, state Rep. Scott Bottoms, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell and Brighton Fire Chief Brycen Garrison, among several others.
Early supporters for Bennet’s candidacy include U.S. House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse, a Lafayette Democrat, and U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, a Centennial Democrat — both potential contenders to take over his Senate seat should he be elected governor.
“I’ve been honored to work with Michael for the past six years — he is a kind, thoughtful and dedicated public servant who has always stood up for the people of our great state, from protecting public lands to fighting for Colorado’s kids,” Neguse said in a statement. “There is no one we trust more to lead Colorado and build a brighter future for families like ours — and all families across our state — than Michael Bennet.”
Colorado Senate President James Coleman and Colorado Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie both endorsed Bennet, as well as former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.
Bennet will continue to serve in the U.S. Senate during his campaign and will resign if he is elected governor.
In the case of a U.S. Senate vacancy, Colorado statute says the governor will appoint a replacement. Bennet’s Senate term ends in 2028.