Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday, defeating U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in a primary upset that underscored voter frustration with Washington.

Why it matters: Democrats have dominated statewide elections for more than a decade, making Weiser the early favorite for November.

State of play: The primary was a test of Democrats' appetite for establishment experience versus a more combative state-focused posture.

• Weiser cast himself as the "fighter" against President Trump, pointing to more than 65 lawsuits his office filed against the administration.

By the numbers: Weiser led Bennet 55% to 45%, according to early returns posted by the Secretary of State's Office.

• AP called the race for Weiser less than an hour after polls closed at 7pm.

Between the lines: With little ideological daylight between the candidates, the race hinged on who Democrats trusted most to fight Trump.

• Bennet entered the race with deep name recognition and even deeper pockets after years in the U.S. Senate and a 2020 presidential campaign.
• Weiser gained momentum late by shifting to a more progressive posture.

What's next: Bennet's loss eliminates the prospect of a closely watched appointment or special election scramble to replace him in the Senate. He has two years left on his current term.