Key facts
- Colorado Democrats will choose between U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and state Attorney General Phil Weiser for the gubernatorial nomination.
- The Republican gubernatorial primary features state Rep. Scott Bottoms, state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer, and Victor Marx.
- If Bennet wins the governorship, he would resign his Senate seat, with the governor appointing a successor.
- U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper faces a primary challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzales.
- Polls close at 7 p.m. MT (9 p.m. ET) on Tuesday.
Colorado voters are heading to the polls Tuesday for state primaries that will determine nominees for key statewide and federal races. In the Democratic race for governor, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet is competing against state Attorney General Phil Weiser. The winner will face the Republican nominee, with Victor Marx currently leading in fundraising.
The gubernatorial primary carries significant implications for the U.S. Senate. If Bennet secures the nomination and wins the general election, he would have to resign his Senate seat. He has stated he would appoint a replacement under the age of 50, with several Colorado Democrats endorsing him.
On the Republican side, Victor Marx is the frontrunner in fundraising, outpacing state Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer and state Rep. Scott Bottoms. Outside groups are actively engaged in advertising campaigns supporting and opposing various GOP candidates.
Democrats have held the Colorado governorship since 2007, winning nine of the last 11 elections. Weiser has cited the conviction of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, a figure embraced by Trump supporters, as a disqualifying factor for his opponent's potential supporters.
In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democrat John Hickenlooper faces a primary challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzales. The Republican nominee for the Senate seat is unopposed.
A closely watched U.S. House race is in the 8th Congressional District, where Republican incumbent Gabe Evans is seeking re-election against a Democratic challenger to be determined in the primary.
Polls are set to close at 7 p.m. MT (9 p.m. ET). The Associated Press will provide results for contested primaries across various state and federal offices, including U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, secretary of state, attorney general, university regent, state Senate, and state House.