U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet on Friday announced his bid to become Colorado’s next governor.
The Denver Democrat, who was appointed to fill Sen. Ken Salazar’s seat in 2009, plans on remaining in his seat through 2026, then stepping down if elected governor. His current term ends in 2029.
In his campaign announcement, Bennet cited Colorado’s unaffordability and budget crisis, as well as opposition to the Trump administration, as reasons for running.
“Colorado is the best state in the nation, and throughout our history, we have been an example of leadership for the rest of the country. But right now, we face significant challenges,” he said. “Too many Coloradans struggle to afford to live here; our state’s budget is in crisis; and, President Trump has waged an all-out assault on our values and economy.”
“I’m running for governor to build a brighter future in Colorado and give people a chance at a better life. The best solutions to our challenges will not come from Washington’s broken politics. They will come from us,” Bennet said. “Together, we can make Colorado the best state to live, work, and raise a family in, and provide the leadership and vision our country needs.”
Bennet, prior to becoming a senator, was chief of staff for then Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper (currently Colorado’s other U.S. senator), and then Denver Public Schools superintendent. He also briefly ran for president in 2019.
The senior senator, if he wins, would succeed Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who’s term-limited.
Bennet is the second major Democrat to throw his name into the gubernatorial race behind current Attorney General Phil Weiser.
According to Bennet’s campaign announcement, he has the endorsement of U.S. Rep Joe Neguse, who was viewed as a top contender for governor among the state’s Democratic primary voters.
