Weiser and Bennet reject clemency for Tina Peters

DEMOCRATS OPPOSE EFFORTS TO REDUCE SENTENCE IN COLORADO ELECTION CASE

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The possibility that Colorado Governor Jared Polis could grant clemency to former election official Tina Peters has triggered a public split within the state’s Democratic leadership. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser and U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, both potential successors to Polis when his term ends in January 2027, strongly rejected any effort to reduce the sentence imposed on Peters for manipulating election equipment.

Weiser, who personally led the prosecution against Peters beginning in 2022, issued a statement directly responding to a message posted by Polis on social media. In that post, the governor compared Peters’ nine-year prison sentence with the probation granted to former state senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis for the same underlying charge of attempting to influence a public official.

Polis also announced that the deadline for clemency applications in Colorado would be extended until April 3. Weiser’s response was unequivocal. “Reducing the sentence of the convicted former clerk Tina Peters would be a grave judicial error and dangerous for free and fair elections,” he said. He noted that his office worked alongside prosecutors in Mesa County to bring the case and that the judge imposed a reasonable sentence, particularly given what he described as a lack of remorse from Peters.

Weiser says clemency requires remorse

Weiser emphasized that clemency decisions should be based on remorse, rehabilitation, and mitigating circumstances, not on political influence, favors or retaliation. His stance carries weight because he is the state’s top legal authority and served as the lead prosecutor in the case.

During the trial, prosecutors presented technical evidence about the manipulation of voting systems produced by Dominion Voting Systems and sought the maximum sentence of ten years in prison. After Peters was sentenced in 2024, Weiser argued that democracy depends on ensuring that those who violate public trust in elections face meaningful consequences.

Now he warns that commuting the sentence—especially following public pressure from Donald Trump—would send the message that politically connected individuals can evade accountability. Weiser also cautioned that releasing Peters early could undermine public confidence in the judicial system.

Bennet rejects political pressure from Washington

Senator Bennet, who is also considered a potential Democratic candidate for governor in 2026, echoed Weiser’s concerns, though in a shorter statement. He said political pressure from Washington should not dictate justice in Colorado.

Bennet argued that Peters violated the public’s trust in the electoral system and that granting clemency would disrespect election officials who work to protect democratic institutions.

Weiser and Bennet reject clemency for Tina Peters

Trump’s involvement has intensified the political conflict surrounding the case. The president has publicly welcomed the possibility of relief for Peters and has called for a full pardon, placing Polis in a delicate position between federal pressure and opposition from leaders within his own party.

Weiser and Bennet reject clemency for Tina Peters

For now, Polis has not confirmed whether he will grant clemency. However, he indicated that his administration will review cases involving sentencing disparities during the remainder of his term. Political analysts say the most likely option would be a partial commutation that could make Peters eligible for parole earlier, potentially around 2028, while avoiding a full pardon.