WASHINGTON ― Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) on Friday introduced his candidacy for the Colorado governorship subsequent yr, changing into the most recent Democrat with plans to depart the Senate.
“I’m operating for governor to construct a brighter future in Colorado and provides folks an opportunity at a greater life,” he stated in an announcement. “The very best options to our challenges won’t come from Washington’s damaged politics. They are going to come from us.”
Bennet, 60, has served within the Senate since 2009, when he was appointed to interchange former Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.). A progressive Democrat, he’s been a longtime advocate of increasing the kid tax credit score. He additionally mounted a short-lived marketing campaign for president in 2020.
Lately, Bennet has grown more and more annoyed with the route of his occasion. He was the primary Senate Democrat to go public together with his considerations about President Joe Biden’s age and bodily capacity. He additionally got here near calling for brand new management within the Senate Democratic caucus after Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) determined to not block a authorities funding invoice.
“It’s vital for folks to know when it’s time to go,” Bennet said at a city corridor final month.
The Centennial State has not elected a Republican governor since 2002, so Bennet’s possibilities of changing Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D), who’s term-limited, are fairly good.
Nonetheless, Bennet is becoming a member of a rising checklist of Senate Democrats heading for the exits, together with Gary Peters of Michigan, Tina Smith of Minnesota and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.
Potential members of the Home Democratic delegation who may substitute Bennet within the Senate embrace Rep. Jason Crow, a veteran, and Joe Neguse, an impeachment supervisor of President Donald Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021, revolt on the U.S. Capitol.
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Bennet’s present Senate time period doesn’t expire till 2028, so if he turned governor, he may appoint his personal successor. The senator told The Colorado Solar on Friday that’s his plan.
