New to Pano? Start here

Apr 11th, 2025, 2:24 PM ET·Politics

Sen. Michael Bennet Announces Run for Colorado Governor in 2026

Democratic Senator Michael Bennet declares his candidacy for Colorado governor, aiming to leverage state leadership to oppose President Trump and address local issues.


Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet has officially entered the 2026 Colorado gubernatorial race, positioning himself as a key candidate despite competition from Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser. In his campaign, Bennet emphasizes local leadership to tackle pressing state issues like affordable housing and economic opportunities, while also criticizing President Trump's impact on democracy. His decision follows several Senate Democrats announcing their departure from Congress, reflecting a broader trend of politicians seeking to transition to state-level roles. Bennet has garnered support from prominent Colorado Democrats, making him a strong contender in a predominantly blue state.

Sources (3)

Compare coverage of this story from news outlets across the political spectrum.
  • CNN
  • Bennet highlights accomplishments like expanding the Child Tax Credit and securing infrastructure funding, which he believes can further Colorado's progress.
  • He openly criticizes Trump, stating that his approach to politics is better suited for state leadership where he can implement change effectively.
  • His candidacy comes amid a trend of Democrats seeking gubernatorial positions as they navigate challenges in Congress.
Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet announces run for governor | Politics
CNNCNN·1M·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…Bennet enters the Democratic gubernatorial primary in a strong position in the reliably blue state that hasn’t elected a Republican governor in more than two decades."

FAQ

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.

Sen. Michael Bennet Announces Run for Colorado Governor in 2026 - Pano News