Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser Announces Run for Governor in 2026

On Thursday, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser officially announced his candidacy for the state’s 2026 gubernatorial election. Weiser, a Denver Democrat, has held the position of Attorney General since 2019 and is the first major figure to declare their intention to run for governor in the upcoming election.

In his announcement, Weiser highlighted his record of engagement with Coloradans across the state, stating, “As your Attorney General, I’ve shown up in every county, listened to you, and gotten results. That’s how we make life better for all Coloradans.” He emphasized his commitment to tackling issues such as affordability, defending freedoms, and protecting Colorado’s natural resources, including its land, air, and water.

Weiser’s entry into the race comes as Colorado prepares to elect a new governor following the term limit of current Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat who has been in office since 2019. Polis’s victory in the 2022 gubernatorial election, where he won 58.5% of the vote, marks the backdrop for Weiser’s decision to seek the state’s highest office.

A recent poll of Colorado Democratic primary voters conducted by Magellan Strategies indicated that while Weiser holds early support, he faces significant competition. The poll showed 8% of voters would support Weiser if the primary were held at that moment. Other contenders in the poll included U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse with 20%, Secretary of State Jena Griswold at 16%, and former U.S. Senator Ken Salazar with 11%.

Weiser’s career includes prestigious positions such as clerking for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, serving as dean of the University of Colorado Law School, and working as a deputy assistant attorney general in the U.S. Department of Justice during the Obama administration. As he prepares for the gubernatorial race, Weiser remains focused on key issues that resonate with Coloradans, particularly affordability, safety, and environmental protection.

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