local
Super PACs, corporate money and a New York billionaire: A look at fundraising and spending in the Colorado governor’s race
By Robert Tann Follow
rtann@postindependent.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent
· June 18, 2026
· 6 min read
Millions of dollars from wealthy donors have poured into the race for Colorado governor, much of which has been channeled into an advertising blitz in the lead-up to the June 30 primaries.
In the Democratic race, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has set a new fundraising record for a sel...
Key takeaway Michael Bennet, has raised the second-most on record for a self-funded candidate, bringing in $4,836,223.
Why this matters in Aspen News
As the Colorado governor's race heats up, Pitkin County voters are likely to be bombarded with advertisements from the Democratic candidates, thanks to the millions of dollars pouring in from wealthy donors. The influx of money from out-of-state contributors, such as New York billionaire Mike Bloomberg, raises questions about the influence of outside interests on local politics. In a county like Pitkin, where tourism and outdoor recreation drive the economy, the next governor's policies on issues like environmental protection and public lands management will have a direct impact on the community. As voters in Aspen and surrounding areas consider their choices, they should pay close attention to how the candidates' funding sources might shape their priorities and decisions, particularly when it comes to issues like wildfire mitigation and water management in the Roaring Fork Valley.
About this story
Original reporting by Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Glenwood Springs Post Independent . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: Glenwood Springs Post Independent ·
Reading time: 6 min
Get more Aspen News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Millions of dollars from wealthy donors have poured into the race for Colorado governor, much of which has been channeled into an advertising blitz in the lead-up to the June 30 primaries.
In the Democratic race, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has set a new fundraising record for a sel...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by Glenwood Springs Post Independent and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Robert Tann Follow
rtann@postindependent.com at Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter