Colorado's Democratic primary for governor is officially decided: Attorney General Phil Weiser has won the nomination, defeating US Senator Michael Bennet with over 55% of the vote. Weiser is now the overwhelming favorite heading into November, given that Colorado has not elected a Republican governor in the past 55 years — making him very likely to become the state's next chief executive.

But the governor's race wasn't the only headline of the night. In one of the most stunning upsets in recent Colorado political history, political newcomer Malo Quiros unseated 30-year incumbent Diana DeGette in Colorado's first congressional district. Here's a full breakdown of what happened and what it means for Colorado's political future.

Who Won Colorado's Democratic Governor Primary?

Phil Weiser, who has served as Colorado's Attorney General since 2018 and was reelected in 2022, captured the Democratic gubernatorial nomination by a decisive margin. Weiser earned more than 55% of the vote against Senator Michael Bennet, who had entered the race as the early favorite.

The campaign featured two candidates with strikingly similar platforms — both focused on making Colorado more affordable and both were vocal critics of President Trump. In the end, Weiser's ground-level campaign message resonated more strongly with Democratic primary voters.

"Coloradans want someone who's on their side, working side by side with them," Weiser said in his victory speech. "That's what our campaign was about. That's what people in the room here felt — that's how I'm going to govern."

Weiser's campaign slogan said it all: Weiser for Governor and Bennet for Senate. As it turns out, that's exactly how things played out. Bennet did concede gracefully, congratulating Weiser and pledging to continue serving Colorado from his Senate seat in Washington.

How Did Phil Weiser Beat Michael Bennet?

Despite Bennet being considered the frontrunner heading into primary night, Weiser took an early lead that he never relinquished. Political analysts point to Weiser's strong name recognition from two successful attorney general campaigns and his ability to connect with everyday Colorado voters on kitchen-table issues like housing costs and economic affordability.

Weiser is now a heavy favorite in the November general election. To put it in perspective, the last Republican gubernatorial candidate ran against current Governor Jared Polis and lost by nearly 20 percentage points. Republicans have only elected one governor in the past 55 years in Colorado, making Weiser's path to the statehouse a relatively clear one.

Did Diana DeGette Really Lose After 30 Years?

Yes — and it's one of the biggest upsets in Colorado's recent political history. Diana DeGette, who had represented Colorado's first congressional district for 15 terms spanning 30 years, was defeated by Malo Quiros, a 29-year-old first-time candidate and Democratic socialist. In a striking twist, DeGette's tenure in Congress is literally as long as Quiros has been alive.

Quiros celebrated her victory at the Broadway in Denver, holding an early lead before the race was officially called around 10:00 p.m. Sioux regent Wanda James, who also challenged DeGette, conceded earlier in the evening at 9:00 p.m.

DeGette had the backing of Colorado's established Democratic House delegation, but it wasn't enough to fend off a wave of progressive energy and grassroots momentum that carried Quiros to victory.

Who Is Malo Quiros and Why Does She Matter?

Malo Quiros is a 29-year-old political newcomer who ran as a Democratic socialist in Colorado's first congressional district — one of the most reliably Democratic districts in the state. She refused corporate PAC money throughout her campaign and aligned herself with a national movement of young, progressive candidates running as "bold and unbought."

Her campaign earned an endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders, a significant signal of her standing within the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. If elected in November, Quiros would become Colorado's first Democratic socialist in Congress, representing a meaningful leftward shift in the district's political identity.

Quiros has faced criticism from some members of Colorado's Jewish community over her strong opposition to Israel's occupation of Palestine. She addressed those concerns directly:

"My commitment has always been to protecting the sanctity and dignity of all life — that includes every single person of all faiths, all different religions, and that especially includes the Jewish community, especially now as anti-Semitism is rising all across the state and all across this country. I look forward to working with the community to figure out how we can combat that hate."

What's the Status of the Republican Governor Primary?

As of the latest update, the Republican primary for governor remains too close to call. No winner has been declared on that side of the ballot. Coverage will be updated as results are finalized — check back at 9News.com for the latest numbers.

Other Key Primary Results You Should Know

  • Attorney General (D): Current Secretary of State Jenna Griswold won the Democratic nomination and advances to the November general election.
  • Secretary of State (D): Jefferson County Clerk Amanda Gonzalez defeated state senator Jesse Danielson, earning more than 430,000 votes with 89% of ballots counted.
  • Colorado's 8th Congressional District: Manny Routinel defeated Shannon Bird to win the Democratic nomination for a full term representing the district.

How Bad Are Colorado's Active Wildfires Right Now?

Colorado's wildfire situation is serious and deteriorating. Three major fires are currently burning across the state, and weather conditions are not expected to improve in the short term.

  • Gold Mountain Fire (Ouray County): Over 14,000 acres burned. Currently 0% contained. FEMA has approved federal funding to cover 75% of eligible firefighting costs through a Fire Management Assistance Grant. Note: this grant does not provide direct aid to homeowners or businesses.
  • Snyder Fire (Mesa County): The largest fire currently burning in Colorado at over 30,000 acres. It is 10% contained.
  • Ferris Fire (San Juan National Forest): Over 23,000 acres burned and 0% contained. The fire began as three separate fires before merging into one. Lightning is believed to be the cause.

Meteorologist Corey Reppenhagen warned that fire weather conditions — the combination of heat, low humidity, and wind that accelerates fire spread — will persist through the day. High temperatures near 90 degrees are expected across the Front Range, with fire weather warnings blanketing the entire state. Some possible rain is in the weekend forecast, which could offer modest relief to firefighting crews.

What New Colorado Laws Took Effect in July 2025?

With the start of July came a new wave of legislation now in effect across Colorado. Here are the key changes:

  • 3D-printed firearms banned: Prohibitions on ghost guns made with 3D printers are now in effect.
  • Conversion therapy survivor rights expanded: Civil actions can now be brought by survivors of conversion therapy, expanding their legal protections.
  • Affordable homeownership program changes: Modifications to the state's affordable home ownership program have taken effect.
  • Marijuana rule updates: New regulations governing marijuana use and sales in Colorado are now active.

For a complete and detailed breakdown of each new law, visit 9News.com.

Colorado's primary night delivered historic results up and down the ballot. With Phil Weiser now the Democratic nominee for governor and Malo Quiros poised to potentially redefine progressive politics in the state, November's general election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent Colorado history. Stay tuned for continued updates on both the Republican governor's race and the ongoing wildfire situation across the state.