On February 25, Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty announced that he would be running for Colorado attorney general in 2026. Dougherty would replace fellow democrat and current attorney general Phil Weiser, who is term-limited and cannot run for reelection in 2026.
Dougherty has been a prosecutor and a public servant for 27 years. He began his career in the Manhattan district attorney’s office and moved to Colorado to work for the attorney general’s office in 2010. He has been the district attorney of the 20th Judicial District (Boulder County) since 2018.
“Together, we can begin to heal America’s divisions and restore faith in government and our justice system,” he said in a campaign announcement video.
During his time as district attorney, Dougherty oversaw a shooting trial in which a man was sentenced for killing 10 people at the Table Mesa King Soopers in 2021. He also looked into the Marshall Fire investigation and found that the evidence did not justify charges.
Dougherty has been endorsed by a number of Boulder County community leaders, elected officials, and eight of Colorado's current district attorneys, according to 9News.
As attorney general, Dougherty said that he would defend Colorado’s water and environment, protect reproductive healthcare, and increase public safety.
“I know what it takes to lead, to fight for what’s right, and the important role the justice system can play when it is being guided by the rule of law and not by politics,” he said. “I’m running to keep our communities safe, protect your rights, and fight and win the most important battles against Donald Trump and Elon Musk.”
