Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced on Thursday that he will run for governor in 2026, signaling his intention to lead the state.
“I’m running to lead the state I love because I’m dedicated to fighting for the people of Colorado,” Weiser, a Democrat, shared in a post on X.
He highlighted his tenure as attorney general as proof of his qualifications to serve as governor. Weiser pointed to his achievements, including securing $400 million for consumers affected by fraud, improving police training, advocating for gun safety reforms, and prosecuting members of crime syndicates and cartels.
“There’s still more work to be done to make Colorado more affordable and safer, defend our freedoms, and protect our land, air, and water,” he said.
Weiser also reflected on his personal connection to Colorado, recalling how he moved to the state 30 years ago after a job interview and was drawn in by its outdoor lifestyle and the independent, innovative spirit of its people.
Weiser is the first high-profile candidate to announce his run for governor, though many more are expected to join the race. Current Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat who was re-elected in 2024, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.
A recent survey by Healthier Colorado and Magellan Strategies polled 630 Coloradans, from both parties, about their preferences in the upcoming governor’s race, which is expected to be highly competitive.
Before becoming attorney general, Weiser served as the dean of the University of Colorado law school, Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Obama administration’s antitrust division, and an adviser to the National Economic Council.
If elected, Weiser promised to continue the work of the state’s recent Democratic governors, focusing on expanding access to pre-K, making kindergarten full-day, and advancing Colorado’s renewable energy goals.
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