Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, left, and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, both candidates for governor, participate in a forum hosted by Colorado Young Democrats on Jan. 10, 2026. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)
In the Colorado Democratic Party’s two-phase nominating system, activists often dominate its old-time caucus system but don’t win the nomination in the later voter primary. Governor Jared Polis and Senator John Hickenlooper both lost their party convention/caucus endorsements in their first elections but went on to win primaries and then general elections. That history bodes well for Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper winning their nominations and general elections in spite of party challenges.
Hickenlooper has left-wing challengers who may excite some grassroots progressive support (Julie Gonzales and Karen Breslin) but their campaigns so far have attracted little attention and less money. History suggests the Democratic party’s progressive wing can’t beat the party’s establishment candidate. Hickenlooper, as a former mayor, governor and now senator is the well funded, old guard incumbent.
Bennet vs Attorney General Phil Weiser race doesn’t have a clear moderate vs. progressive atmosphere although Weiser is the candidate closer to home. Senators are frequently burdened by the distance and poor image of Washington DC. But as winning the caucus vote shows, party activists’ support doesn’t make up for money and endorsements in the primary, Bennet advantage. Whichever one wins will likely win the general election.
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