Michael Bennet has announced he is running for Colorado governor, according to multiple news outlets and first reported by Axios.

The U.S. senator, a Denver Democrat, was appointed to his seat in 2009 and elected in 2010, 2016 and 2022. He served as superintendent of Denver Public Schools and as chief of staff for then-Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper before he went to Washington, D.C. 

Representatives from Bennet’s campaign team declined to comment to Newsline.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, the only prominent Democrat to officially enter the race for governor so far, said in a statement on “Sen. Bennet’s Entry in the Governor’s Race” that while Bennet has been in Washington, D.C., he has been working directly with people in Colorado “as the People’s Lawyer.”

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“I am the fighter Colorado needs as our next governor. Two years ago, the voters sent Senator Bennet back to DC because we believed he would be there for us no matter what — especially in historically dangerous moments like the one we currently face,” Weiser said. “Now more than ever, we need experienced Democratic leaders in Washington.”

Weiser added: “We must protect Colorado and oppose (President Donald) Trump’s illegal actions, not appease him.” Bennet voted in support of confirming several Trump cabinet nominees.

Whoever wins the Democratic nomination will most likely win the race, as Colorado hasn’t had a Republican governor since Gov. Bill Owens left office after the 2006 election. Republican candidates to announce a run for governor include state Sen. Mark Baisley, state Rep. Scott Bottoms, Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell and Brighton Fire Chief Brycen Garrison, among several others. 

In the case of a U.S. Senate vacancy, Colorado statute says the governor will appoint a replacement. Bennet’s Senate term ends in 2028.