Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser on Thursday announced his candidacy for governor in 2026, officially adding his name to what is expected to be a crowded field of Democrats seeking the office.

“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,” Weiser said in his official announcement. “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.”

Weiser has been a frequent visitor to Alamosa and the greater San Luis Valley throughout his time as state attorney general. “There’s not a lot of votes here, but I think he’s trying to help people. I truly believe he’s well-intentioned and wants to help the state of Colorado,” said Colorado State Sen. Cleave Simpson of Alamosa in reaction to Weiser’s announcement.

Weiser has been a frequent guest on The Valley Pod. Credit: Citizen file photo

Weiser is expected to be joined in the Democratic primary field by Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Joe Neguse, congressman for Colorado’s second district. Ken Salazar, who is coming off his ambassadorship to Mexico under President Joe Biden, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate. Gov. Jared Polis is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.

Before entering politics, he was the dean of the University of Colorado Law School. In 2009, he was appointed to the Obama administration as deputy assistant attorney general, working primarily in the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. 

Weiser’s most recent effort has been opposing the grocery merger between Alberstons and Kroger. The merger was finally shut down after two U.S. District Court judges blocked the effort earlier in December. Weiser, who filed lawsuits challenging the merger, called the end of the Albertsons-Kroger marriage a “victory for consumers, workers, and farmers.”

“All along, we have made the case that the Kroger/Albertsons merger is illegal and bad for Colorado. It is bad for grocery shoppers who are already feeling pinched at the checkout counter. It’s bad for workers and their job security and benefits. And it’s bad for farmers and other suppliers because there would be fewer local food options available at the store,” he said. 

Alamosa’s Safeway was on the list to be sold as part of the merger. 

The San Luis Valley has been no stranger to Weiser, as he has made visiting the entire state a priority as Colorado’s top attorney. 

An environmental and land rights fight happening in San Luis earned a visit from Weiser in July. Here’s a Valley Pod episode with Weiser from that trip into the San Luis Valley.

He was elected state attorney general in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. He lives in Denver with his wife, Dr. Heidi Wald, and two children.