A state-level super PAC, Rocky Mountain Way, is backing Democrat Michael Bennet’s gubernatorial campaign and has accumulated nearly $950,000 in funds, with a significant portion coming from pro-charter school organizations and a recently established nonprofit that does not disclose its donors.
Rocky Mountain Way was formed in April, shortly after Bennet announced his candidacy for governor. The PAC is managed by the MBA Consulting Group from Washington, D.C.
The largest contribution to this PAC is $300,000 from Brighter Future for Colorado, a nonprofit that organized earlier this year, operating out of a UPS Store located in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. Its registered agent, Tierney Lawrence Stiles, represents a prominent Democratic law firm in Colorado.
Brighter Future for Colorado, classified as a dark money group, is not required to report its donors, raising concerns over transparency in campaign financing.
In addition to the sizable donation from Brighter Future, the PAC also received $100,000 from the Colorado League of Charter Schools Action and further contributions from various pro-charter nonprofits, including $40,000 from Denver Families for Public Schools, $25,000 from Stand for Children based in Portland, Oregon, and $20,000 from the Washington, D.C.-based 50CAN Action Fund.
As a state-level super PAC, Rocky Mountain Way, which is recognized as an independent expenditure committee, has the capability to raise and spend unlimited funds, positioning it as a formidable influence in Bennet’s Democratic primary against Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Currently, Weiser does not have a super PAC supporting his bid for the gubernatorial seat.
Additional major donors to the Rocky Mountain Way include developer Andrew Schwartzberg from Bethesda, Maryland, who donated $100,000, and Conscience Bay Research, a New York firm appearing to support environmental causes, which contributed $50,000.
Other notable contributors include developer Jonathan Gruskin, investor Reuben Munger, and Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz, each providing $50,000.
Investor David Carlson contributed $20,000; he is the founder of the Colorado Polling Institute which has sponsored events for The Colorado Sun.
Harry Frampton, the founder and chairman of East West Partners, donated $10,000, while Cole Finegan, who previously served as Colorado’s U.S. attorney and now works with the Anschutz Corporation, gave $5,000.
Bennet’s campaign itself raised $1.7 million from April to the end of June and commenced July with a financial balance of about $1.35 million. In contrast, Weiser raised around $1 million during the second quarter, beginning July with $2.5 million in his campaign funds.
In stark contrast, no Republican candidate for governor has raised more than $35,000 during the quarter.
The Democratic primary for the gubernatorial race in Colorado is scheduled for June 2026, followed by a likely straightforward path to victory for the primary winner in the general election.
Current Governor Jared Polis, who cannot seek reelection as he is term-limited, secured his most recent term in 2022 with approximately a 20-point lead and his first term in 2018 with a 10-point margin.
Yet the growing list of Republican candidates entering the gubernatorial race continues to expand, with names like state Rep. Scott Bottoms, Sen. Mark Baisley, and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell making headlines, along with anticipated announcements from others like State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer.
Since 2002, when then-Governor Bill Owens was reelected, no Republican has held the gubernatorial office in Colorado.
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