Polling Average
60%50%40%30%20%10%0%
53%
22%
Democrat
Michael Bennet
Colorado Democratic Governor nominee?
$36.3K
JUL 1, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleU.S. Senator
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age61 years old (Nov 28, 1964)
GenderMale
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LocationColorado
BackgroundAttorney
EducationWesleyan University (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsMichael Farrand Bennet is a Democratic politician and attorney who has served as a U.S. Senator from Colorado since 2009. Before the Senate, he was Superintendent of Denver Public Schools and served as chief of staff to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, after working in investment management at the Anschutz Investment Company. He earned a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a J.D. from Yale Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of The Yale Law Journal. He is married to Susan Daggett and they have three daughters.
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations while expanding refundable tax credits and other tax relief for low- and middle-income workers and families. Has proposed substantial tax reforms (higher top income rates, higher corporate rate, mark‑to‑market capital gains taxation, and higher estate taxes) to finance expanded social investments. Also sponsors legislation to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit and prevent large profitable corporations from paying little or no federal tax.
Healthcare
Supports building on the Affordable Care Act and creating a public option to expand access and lower costs, with additional proposals to strengthen Medicaid, expand a state health plan option, and lower drug and care prices. Opposes single‑payer/Medicare for All in favor of public-option and targeted expansions.
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Immigration & Border
Supports comprehensive immigration reform including a pathway to citizenship and protections for Dreamers while also endorsing strengthened border security and enforcement guardrails. Has sponsored and backed legislation to protect migrants’ rights, expand legal pathways, and increase accountability for DHS, ICE, and CBP. Advocates bipartisan, commonsense solutions balancing humane treatment of immigrants with measures to secure the border and uphold the rule of law.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Michael Bennet supports protecting and expanding access to abortion and other reproductive health care, and has sponsored and co-sponsored federal legislation to restore and codify abortion rights and protect providers. He opposes restrictions that would limit travel for care or criminalize providers and has advocated for protections for medication abortion and insurance coverage for abortion services.
Climate & Energy
Supports ambitious emissions reductions including net-zero by 2050 and rejoining international climate efforts; favors major clean-energy investment, expanded clean-energy tax credits, greenhouse-gas standards, carbon pricing, and targeted support for communities and workers affected by the transition from fossil fuels. Advocates deploying clean-technology manufacturing, grid resilience, electric-vehicle infrastructure, and market-based state-level programs (cap-and-invest) to meet emissions targets while addressing affordability and community impacts.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports expanded federal background checks and legislative limits on high-capacity magazines and certain gas-operated semi-automatic firearms; has introduced and cosponsored bills aimed at reducing access to weapons used in mass shootings and improving school-shooting data collection.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMay 19, 2026
Michael Bennet is in the news as a leading Democratic candidate for Colorado governor, with his campaign heading into a primary debate against Phil Weiser. He has also qualified for the primary ballot after submitting enough signatures. Recently, Bennet drew attention for skipping a Muslim Vote forum after a dispute over questions about Gaza and Israel. He also criticized Gov. Jared Polis’s clemency for Tina Peters, calling it out amid the 2026 race.
bennet.senate.gov+16
Articles
HHuffPost4 days ago
Election Denier Tina Peters Granted Clemency By Colorado Gov.
Neutral
TDThe Denver Post12 days ago
Phil Weiser, Michael Bennet will debate in CO's governor's race
Neutral
TDThe Denver Post1 month ago
Michael Bennet backed out of forum over Gaza questions, group alleges
Negative
KKRDO2 months ago
John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet qualify for State Primary Ballot
Positive
Polls
Colorado Democratic Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Colorado Democratic Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Michael Bennet for Colorado Democratic Governor nominee?
Michael Bloomberg
Elected official
Michael Bloomberg backed a super PAC supporting Michael Bennet in the Colorado governor primary.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$20.7M
$15.5M
$10.4M
$5.2M
$0
2022
2024
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$20.7M
$740.8K
$20.5M
$854.4K
Cycle 2024
$1.2M
$466.9K
$1.5M
$60.6K
Cycle 2026
$207.2K
$220.7K
$453.4K
$30.2K
Source: FEC