DENVER — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Colorado in the 2026 election, succeeding Governor Jared Polis who will not run for re-election due to term limits. Weiser was first elected as Colorado Attorney General in 2018 and then re-elected in 2022. 

In the statement announcing his candidacy, Weiser said, “There are many reasons why I’m running to lead this state I love, but the biggest reason is simple: I’m committed to fighting for the people of Colorado.   

“As your Attorney General, I’ve spent the last six years taking on big fights for the people of Colorado, standing up against irresponsible companies that harmed consumers, defending our freedoms, improving public safety, and protecting our land, air, and water.  

“From day one, I’ve met my commitment to you to show up in every county, to listen to you, and to get results. This campaign will focus on engaging with you and having real conversations, to hear what’s on your mind, to learn how our state government can best serve you, and to get your ideas on how we can meet our challenges, together.” 

Weiser is a familiar name (and face) in the San Luis Valley, having made multiple trips to the area since first assuming office. Meeting with farmers and ranchers to discuss collaboration in addressing water scarcity, holding listening sessions on mental health issues in rural communities, working with Alamosa County Commissioner Laske and others on the allocation of funds awarded as part of opioid settlements he helped to obtain. He attended the opening of Hope in the Valley Treatment Center, providing oversight of the District Attorney’s office in the San Luis Valley both during and after Alonzo Payne served as DA. 

Weiser conducted listening sessions on the impact of a Kroger-Albertson’s merger on the community prior to filing a suit to stop the merger are just a sampling of the issues Weiser has addressed during his visits. 

The first candidate out of the chute to seek the Democratic nomination, Weiser is expected to be joined by several fellow Democrats seeking Colorado’s top executive position. But if Thursday’s fundraising efforts are any indication, the AG is already in strong standing. 

According to a press release issued on Friday morning, the Weiser for Governor campaign raised a total of $157,657 from 1,051 individual donors in the first full day after announcing his candidacy.   

“The amount raised by the Weiser for Governor campaign is the largest raised by a Colorado gubernatorial campaign on the day of its launch in recent memory…and surpasses the high-water marks in the 2022 and 2018 gubernatorial campaigns’ first day fundraising,” the statement read. Weiser’s campaign does not accept contributions from corporate political action committees (PACs).  

“I’m humbled by the outpouring of support I’ve received from people across Colorado, and grateful to have the wisdom and guidance of so many exceptional leaders involved in our campaign,” Weiser said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to continuing my travels throughout the state in the coming months to hear directly from the people of Colorado about how we can confront our state’s most pressing issues, together.” 

The Valley Courier will have an in-depth interview with Weiser in next Saturday’s paper regarding his stand on issues most relevant to the San Luis Valley.