What's at stake

The Democratic primary will select the party's nominee for Colorado governor in 2026.

The nominee faces the general election and will shape state policy on housing, energy, transportation, budget priorities, and appointments that affect Colorado courts and agencies.

Who's in play

Phil Weiser, William Moses, Michael Bennet, and David Hughes are the named candidates competing in the Democratic primary.

Weiser has statewide name recognition, Bennet is a U.S. senator, and Moses and Hughes are challengers with differing regional bases and fundraising profiles.

What drives it

Polling, fundraising, grassroots organizing, and endorsements determine momentum between these campaigns.

Policy positions on housing, oil and gas, abortion access, and climate, plus debate performances and union or Latino community turnout, move voters and swing precinct-level results.

What to watch

Look for major newspaper and labor union endorsements, plus the first round of campaign finance filings that show fundraising pace and key donor networks.

Watch debate nights, periodic statewide polls, shifts in Latino and suburban voter enthusiasm, registration deadlines, and the official primary date in mid-2026 as the final resolution point.