Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) did not mince words when reacting to Colorado Governor Jared Polis's decision to commute the sentence of former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters, who was convicted for her role in a voting system breach. In an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins, Bennet described the move as a "terrible decision" and said it would be "disqualifying" for Polis if he ever sought a Senate seat.
Peters, a prominent election denier, was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2024 for allowing unauthorized access to voting equipment in Mesa County. The breach was reportedly motivated by efforts to prove that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump. Polis's commutation made Peters eligible for parole on June 1, though her felony convictions remain on her record.
Bennet emphasized that Peters's actions were not a minor infraction. "She took one of Lindell's colleagues into the back room of the Mesa County clerk's office and they took out with them the voting equipment there," he said, referring to MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a key figure in efforts to overturn the 2020 results. Peters was convicted by a jury in a conservative part of the state, underscoring the gravity of her crimes.
The senator's criticism aligns with a broader backlash from Democrats who have condemned Polis's decision. The governor's move came after a prolonged standoff with President Trump, who had demanded a pardon for Peters. By commuting but not pardoning her, Polis left her felony record intact, a detail that did little to mollify his critics.
Bennet, who is currently running for governor, revealed that Polis called him this week to say he had no interest in being considered for Bennet's Senate seat. If Bennet wins the governorship—as many anticipate—he would appoint a replacement to serve until the 2028 election. The senator made clear that Polis would not have been on his shortlist anyway. "The Tina Peters decision I think was disqualifying and I think he knows that," Bennet said.
He added that Polis is "a sensible person who never wants to be in the U.S. Senate," noting the partisan gridlock that has paralyzed the chamber on key issues. The commutation has fueled broader debates about the leadership vacuum within the Democratic Party and the political calculations behind such clemency decisions.
The controversy also highlights the ongoing fissures within the party over how to handle election denialism. While some Democrats have called for a hardline stance, others have sought to avoid alienating voters who sympathize with Trump's claims. Bennet's sharp rebuke suggests that for many in the party, the line is clear: those who undermine election integrity face consequences.
Bennet's comments come as the battle for Senate control heats up, with Democrats eyeing opportunities in red states. The internal discord over Polis's decision could complicate efforts to present a united front on election security, a key issue for the party heading into the 2026 midterms.
