U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, left, and Attorney General Phil Weiser, both candidates for the 2026 Colorado gubernatorial election. Photo: Robert Tann/Summit Daily NewsZohran Mamdani’s come from behind to win with a socialist message, and youth energy has seized the attention of Democratic officeholders and aspirants around the country.
In California, former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is considering a run for governor, will notice that the Democratic establishment did not fare well in New York. A successful primary run may also take more than just an anti-Trump message. Super liberal Katie Porter, who was beaten in the 2024 senate primary, has been trying to reposition as a Democratic centrist. She may reconsider and go for a full anti-business progressive agenda.
In Colorado, two establishment Democrats are running in 2026 to either extend their term like Senator John Hickenlooper, or Senator Michael Bennet who switched to governor. Both are older Democratic centrists with lots of name identification but little passion in the party or among progressives. Earlier in the year, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demonstrated the political power of progressives, gathering 30,000 fans in Denver’s civic center. As of now, only Bennet has a high profile opponent, state Attorney General Phil Weiser. Will one of them adopt the progressive lane? Will a fight-every-day progressive get in the race for governor or senate?
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The 2026 Colorado Election Season Starts
April 25, 2025
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