Who is John Hickenlooper and what is Hickenlooper running on in the 2026 Colorado Senate race?

John Hickenlooper is the Democratic candidate for Colorado U.S. Senate, and the incumbent. U.S. Senator since 2021; former Colorado governor and Denver mayor; won the June 30, 2026 primary over progressive state Sen. Julie Gonzales (~53 to 55%). Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

The race

• The seat: Incumbent Democrat John Hickenlooper seeking a second term.
• Rating: Solid/Safe D (Cook, Inside Elections, RCP).

Why Hickenlooper’s race looks the way it does

• Colorado has shifted sharply left over the past decade; forecasters rate the race Solid/Safe D.
• Huge money gap: Hickenlooper raised $10.3M vs Baisley’s ~$139K through June 30, 2026.
• Incumbency and statewide name recognition as a former two-term governor and Denver mayor.
• Republicans have not won a statewide office in Colorado since 2016.

What Hickenlooper is running on

• Healthcare / progressive agenda. Opposed Medicare for All, the Green New Deal and a wealth tax in his primary against a progressive challenger, running as a business-friendly moderate.
• Immigration. Opposed calls to abolish ICE.
• Trump / democracy. Says his general-election focus is opposing Trump’s attacks on democracy and on Colorado’s voting systems.
• Opponent. His campaign casts Baisley as ‘too extreme for Colorado’ and a Trump loyalist.

In Hickenlooper’s own words

“I want to thank every voter who once again put their trust in me”

The other candidates

• Mark Baisley (R)

Every race

See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.