Phil Weiser upsets Michael Bennet to win Democratic primary for Colorado governor

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser won the Democratic nomination for governor Tuesday, defeating U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet in a primary upset that underscored voter frustration with Washington.

Why it matters: Democrats have dominated statewide elections for more than a decade, making Weiser the early favorite for November.

State of play: The primary was a test of Democrats' appetite for establishment experience versus a more combative state-focused posture.

Weiser cast himself as the "fighter" against President Trump, pointing to more than 65 lawsuits his office filed against the administration.

By the numbers: Weiser led Bennet 55% to 45%, according to early returns posted by the Secretary of State's Office.

AP called the race for Weiser less than an hour after polls closed at 7pm.

Between the lines: With little ideological daylight between the candidates, the race hinged on who Democrats trusted most to fight Trump.

Bennet entered the race with deep name recognition and even deeper pockets after years in the U.S. Senate and a 2020 presidential campaign.

Weiser gained momentum late by shifting to a more progressive posture.

What's next: Bennet's loss eliminates the prospect of a closely watched appointment or special election scramble to replace him in the Senate. He has two years left on his current term.