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.
Overview
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.
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Analysis
- Sen. Michael Bennet announces his candidacy for governor of Colorado, arguing he can better oppose Trump from the state level rather than in the Senate.
- Bennet emphasizes a focus on local issues such as affordable housing and health care, aiming to create a future-oriented vision for the state as he criticizes the current state of Congress.
- He aims for a coalition of support from various factions within the Democratic Party while also facing criticism for leaving his Senate seat during a politically charged time.
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Associated Press·3M·FAQ
Senator Michael Bennet is running for governor to leverage state leadership and address local issues such as affordable housing, while also opposing President Trump's impact on democracy. He believes solutions to these challenges will come from state, rather than federal, levels.
If Senator Bennet wins the gubernatorial race, he would have the power as governor to appoint his successor. Potential candidates include Democratic Representatives Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen.
Senator Bennet plans to focus on issues such as affordable housing, health care costs, and the state's economic development. He also aims to tackle the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights to reform state funding practices.
History
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