Phil Weiser, the Attorney General of Colorado, declared his candidacy for the governorship on Thursday, aiming to succeed the term-limited Governor Jared Polis in the 2026 election.
In a series of posts on the social platform X, Weiser expressed his deep commitment to advocating for the people of Colorado, stating, “There are many reasons why I’m running to lead this state I love, but the biggest reason is simple: I’m committed to fighting for the people of Colorado.”
He emphasized his hands-on approach during his tenure, highlighting his efforts to engage with residents across the state: “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. And there is more work to do to make Colorado a more affordable place to live, defend our freedoms & protect our land, air, and water.”
Weiser’s background includes two terms as Colorado’s Attorney General, a role following his deanship at the University of Colorado Law School. His career also encompasses service in the Clinton and Obama administrations and a clerkship for former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
According to a recent poll conducted by Magellan Strategies, which surveyed 630 registered Democratic and unaffiliated voters for the upcoming gubernatorial primary, Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) is currently leading with 20 percent support.
Following him are Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold at 16 percent, former Colorado Attorney General and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar at 11 percent, with Weiser garnering 8 percent.
The poll indicated that nearly 40 percent of respondents remain undecided, while 8 percent support other candidates. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points. Colorado has not seen a Republican governor since Bill Owens secured reelection in 2002.
