Jena Griswold wins Colorado's Democratic primary for AG

Jena Griswold wins Colorado's Democratic primary for AG

Jena Griswold won Colorado's Democratic primary for attorney general on Tuesday, making the two-term secretary of state the party's nominee for one of the state's most powerful elected offices, according to the AP.

Why it matters: In a Democratic-controlled state, Griswold's victory positions her as the likely frontrunner in the November general election, barring any major surprises.

The big picture: The attorney general oversees consumer protection, criminal appeals and major civil litigation on the state's behalf.

  • The office has taken on an increasingly prominent role in the Trump era, with term-limited Attorney General Phil Weiser filing dozens of multistate lawsuits challenging the administration's policies.

    • By the numbers: Griswold led the four-way Democratic primary with 45.8% of the vote when the AP called the race at 7:23pm.

  • Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty had 19.8%.
  • Progressive nonprofit leader and attorney David Seligman had 17.8%, and former assistant U.S. attorney Hetal Doshi captured 16.5%.

    • What she's saying: In a statement Tuesday night, Griswold said she's running "to stand up to Trump's attacks on our rights and our state, and to protect Coloradans from his hostile administration."

  • She added she "will fight for workers and families, ... stand up to corporate special interests, ... protect our environment and reproductive rights, and continue to defend our gold standard elections."

    • Between the lines: Griswold secures the nomination without a majority of the vote, reflecting a Democratic electorate split among four candidates.

    State of play: She entered the race as the perceived frontrunner after nearly eight years as Colorado's chief elections official, giving her far greater statewide name recognition than her opponents.

  • Griswold built her political profile defending Colorado's election system against false fraud claims after the 2020 election and more recently by refusing a Trump administration request for Colorado voter data.

    • The other side: The campaign also brought renewed scrutiny of Griswold.

  • Critics faulted Griswold for the accidental posting of voting system passwords on the secretary of state's website. They also questioned parts of her résumé and biography, argued she lacks substantial courtroom experience, and criticized her for skipping several candidate forums.

    • Follow the money: Griswold entered Election Day with the largest campaign war chest, raising roughly $1.9 million, compared with about $1 million for Doshi, $925,000 for Dougherty and $919,000 for Seligman, according to campaign finance records.

    What's next: Griswold will face Republican nominee Michael Allen in the general election this November.

    Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details throughout.