The debate, hosted by Denver7, The Denver Post and CPR, was the first televised debate between candidates U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Democratic candidates for Colorado's next governor fielded questions in a live debate Thursday night as they set out to differentiate themselves ahead of the June 30 primary election.
The Democratic gubernatorial debate, hosted by Denver7, The Denver Post and CPR, was the first televised debate between candidates U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. Another live debate at Denver7 with Republican candidates is set for Thursday, May 14. ▶ Watch the full Democratic gubernatorial debate The two candidates are vying to replace Gov.
Jared Polis, who is term-limited after serving eight years in office. If Bennet is ultimately elected, he will select a replacement to fill his seat in the U.S. Senate. In Thursday's debate, he said 'no one' was on the short list to replace him and that he would not commit to a name before primary ballots go out.
▶ Watch Bennet's answer Denver7's Colette Bordelon pressed Weiser on recent wins by a conservative group in the U.S. Supreme Court with Colorado cases on social issues. ▶ Watch Weiser's response During the debate, things got heated when candidates had the opportunity to ask each other a question. ▶ Watch their questions and answersDenver7's Bordelon asked candidates about Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers, a topic the two shared similar sentiments on.
▶ Here's what candidates said about guardrails on how law enforcement can tap into license plate dataViewers also had the chance to submit questions ahead of the debate, which ranged from questions on affordability to the state's relationship with the federal government. One viewer asked whether the candidates would commit to overturning the ban on local rent stabilization. Both candidates were noncommittal.
'Let's be careful that it could backfire,' Weiser said. Bennet said he agreed that 'we should be careful,' but that he didn't want to 'rule anything out.
'▶ Watch what they said Each candidate also responded to a viewer question on their plans for 'protecting the people of Colorado from the excesses of ICE under the current administration. '▶ Watch their responsesWeiser and Bennet also fielded a series of yes or no questions, where their answers were aligned across the board. ▶ Watch their yes/no answersPrimary Election Day is June 30. Bennet and Weiser will be on the ballots for both Democratic and unaffiliated voters.
Monday, June 8 is the last day to change party affiliation; ballots are then mailed out and 24-hour drop boxes open. Voter service and polling centers open June 15, and June 22 is the last day to mail your ballot. Read more of Denver7's stories on Colorado politics here
2026 Primaries Colorado State Capitol Colorado Lawmakers Colorado Politics Denver7 Colorado Lawmakers Denver7 Colorado Politics New Colorado Laws Politics In Colorado Politics In Denver
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Determining the differences: Watch Democratic candidates for Colorado governor debate live on Denver7Katie joined the Denver7 team as a digital content producer in April of 2023.
Read more »
Colorado Business Badfish Surf Shop Seeks Refund on Illegal TariffsMike Harvey and the Badfish Surf Shop are applying for refunds on tariffs paid for Chinese imports after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the taxes unconstitutional.
Read more »
Phil Weiser, Michael Bennet to debate Thursday in event co-sponsored by The Denver PostU.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser will face off Thursday night in a Colorado governor’s race Democratic debate sponsored by The Denver Post, Denver7 and Colorado Public Radio.
Read more »
Democratic candidates revive single-payer promise as California’s healthcare system faces strainCalifornia Democratic gubernatorial candidates are reviving promises of single-payer healthcare even as state lawmakers have repeatedly rejected the idea, costs remain unresolved and California braces for new strain on its existing…
Read more »