Colorado voters elected state Rep. Mike Weissman over Idris Keith in the Democratic primary race for Senate District 28 based on Tuesday night’s votes.

Weissman, who has represented House District 36 since 2017, beat Keith, former vice chair of House District 36 and business attorney, by six percentage points, 53% to 47%, as of counts Wednesday morning.

The district straddles Adams and Arapahoe counties, including Aurora, Watkins and Aetna Estates. Democrats hold the competitive index edge in the district, which has 28,920 registered Democrats, 11,300 registered Republicans and 41,890 unaffiliated. 

“I am deeply grateful tonight for the voters of North Aurora for choosing me to be their advocate at the state capitol,” Weissman told the Denver Gazette Wednesday. “I will honor that confidence by continuing to fight hard for policies that expand the circle of opportunity and  help solve problems that confront the people of our city and our state.”

Keith is a former member of the Aurora Citizen’s Advisory Budget Committee, the former Vice-Chair of House District 36, a current member of the Arapahoe County Cultural Council and a business attorney licensed in Colorado.

His top priority is strengthening the Colorado economy through affordable housing and better-paying, more sustainable jobs, he told Colorado Politics. 

“Leadership and character matter,” Keith told Colorado Politics. “I understand the need for competent leadership that reflects the diversity of Senate District 28.”

Weissman has represented House District 36 since 2017, passing economic and housing justice laws, fighting climate change, strengthening consumer protection laws and reforming the criminal justice system, according to his website.

He is running to continue his work representing the people of north Aurora. 

Weissman is one of five representatives from the state House vying for Senate seats starting in the 2025 session.