Democrat Phil Weiser is projected winner of Colorado governor's race, CBS says
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is projected to become the state's next governor, according to CBS News.
At the time his victory was projected, the Democrat held a large lead over Republican Victor Marx and Independent Greg Lopez -- 81.1% to 15%.
Weiser said in his acceptance speech in Denver on Tuesday that he traveled across Colorado during his campaign and it became clear from listening to the stories of citizens that "at a time of rising fear and cruelty, Colorado's answer is rising hope and compassion."
He also took a moment to share a message with those who didn't vote for him or simply didn't cast a vote in the race.
"My message is this: There's so much more that unites us than divides us, and I want you to know that my administration will always show up and listen and work with you to deliver on the promise of building a better Colorado for all of us," Weiser said.
Gov. Jared Polis, also a Democrat, is term-limited after eight years in the state government's highest office. And Weiser continues the string of Democratic victories. Not since 2007, when Bill Owens was in office, has Colorado had a Republican governor.
Weiser has been the state's top prosecutor since 2019. He previously served as the dean of the University of Colorado Law School, worked in the Obama administration, and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Weiser beat U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in the Democratic primary in June.
His running mate is Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper.
Marx served as a Marine and founded the Colorado Springs-based ministry "All Things Possible Ministries." He entered the race as a political unknown with a social media following nearly 3 million. He defeated two sitting legislators, state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer and Rep. Scott Bottoms, in the GOP primary. His running mate was retired Marine Col. George Markert.
Lopez is an Air Force veteran has served as representative for Colorado's 4th Congressional District, city manager of Parker, director of the Small Business Administration in Colorado and president of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Tuesday night, Victor Marx conceded to Weiser. He shared a statement thanking God, his family, and his supporters. Marx says he also called Weiser to congratulate him personally.
"I have called Governor-elect Weiser to congratulate him and to wish him well, because Colorado's future matters more than any one campaign," Marx said. "Phil and I disagree on a great deal, and we said so plainly. But I will pray for him, and I want him to succeed, because when Colorado's governor succeeds, Colorado's families succeed."
Polis also congratulated Weiser on his win Tuesday night, saying, "Congratulations Governor-Elect Phil Weiser. In the last eight years we have made incredible progress to better fund our classrooms, protect our environment, save people money on healthcare, and build more housing for every budget, and I am confident that Governor-Elect Phil Weiser will further this work to make Colorado stronger. Coloradans made our voices heard and selected a candidate who shares the value of building a Colorado for All and is committed to making our state the best place to live, work and play. He has a strong vision for Colorado, and I am excited for him to take up the important work of being Governor."
Polis said serving as governor has been the greatest honor of his life, and he looks forward to the next four years as the administration transitions to Weiser's leadership.
