WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic voters in Colorado will decide in a state primary Tuesday which of two well-known statewide officeholders to nominate to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Jared Polis. Republicans will also choose a nominee for governor, while voters across the state will finalize general election matchups for U.S. Senate and U.S. House.The Democratic gubernatorial primary between U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and state Attorney General Phil Weiser will not only determine who might lead Colorado as President Donald Trump wages what Weiser has described as a “ revenge campaign ” against the state and its outgoing governor, but it could also create an opening in the closely divided U.S. Senate.If Bennet wins the nomination and the general election, he would need to vacate his U.S. Senate seat, allowing the governor to name a replacement until the next general election in 2028. Bennet has said that he would hold his seat right up until taking office and appoint his own replacement, rather than allowing Polis to make the pick.
In a June 4 debate, Bennet said he would appoint a replacement under the age of 50. Of the four Democrats in Colorado’s congressional delegation, three are under 50: Jason Crow, Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen. All have endorsed Bennet.
