Michael Bennet has represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate since 2009. He’s carved out a reputation as a policy-focused, pragmatic Democrat who talks a lot about education, inequality, and the middle class instead of partisan flame-throwing.
Before the Senate, Bennet was superintendent of Denver Public Schools, where he pushed administrative reform and school finance changes. That background still shapes his brand: data, patience, long-term fixes.
In the Senate, he’s worked on immigration reform, child tax credits, healthcare affordability, Western water and wildfire policy, and clean energy investment. Progressives sometimes say he’s too incremental; Republicans say he’s still a Democrat who will vote for spending and regulation.
Moderate Democrat
Achievements
- Co-authored bipartisan immigration and border security frameworks
- Championed expansion of the Child Tax Credit and anti-poverty policy
- Advocated for major investments in public education and school funding reform
- Backed renewable energy and wildfire mitigation for Western states
- Worked on rural broadband and infrastructure access in underserved areas
Controversies
- Criticized from the left for being too incremental on healthcare (public option vs. Medicare for All)
- Mixed reception on student debt relief and higher ed cost controls
- Accused by climate activists of not always going far enough on fossil fuel phaseout timelines
- Sometimes painted by Republicans as “pretend moderate” who still backs major Democratic spending
- National profile knock: cautious, low-drama style means less visibility and leverage compared to louder voices
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $116,850 | $106,850 | $10,000 |
| Blackstone Group | $85,100 | $85,100 | $0 |
| Paul, Weiss et al | $61,200 | $61,200 | $0 |
| University of Colorado | $55,771 | $55,771 | $0 |
| State of Colorado | $53,841 | $53,841 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2010 Margin D +1.7%
2016 Margin D +5.7%
2022 Margin D +14.6%