Wikipedia

2026 United States Senate election in Colorado

The 2026 United States Senate election in Colorado will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Colorado. Democratic incumbent John Hickenlooper is seeking a second term. Primary elections were held on June 30, 2026.

2026 United States Senate election in Colorado
← 2020
November 3, 2026
2032 →
 
Nominee John Hickenlooper Mark Baisley
Party Democratic Republican
Incumbent U.S. senator

John Hickenlooper
Democratic


During the primaries, Hickenlooper faced a primary challenge from Julie Gonzales, a former member of the Democratic Socialists of America who argued Hickenlooper's voting record was out of line with the state.

Background

While Colorado was once considered a swing state, it has shifted significantly to the left over the past decade and is now regarded as solidly Democratic at both the federal and state levels. Democrats currently hold all statewide offices, both U.S. Senate seats, and strong majorities in both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly, while the state's U.S. House delegation is evenly split. In 2014, Republican Cory Gardner narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Mark Udall for the U.S. Senate. As the state continued trending Democratic, Gardner—then the only Republican holding major statewide office—lost his 2020 re-election bid to Democrat John Hickenlooper by a significant margin.[1] In late 2024, Hickenlooper announced he would seek re-election but indicated that the campaign would be his final run for the Senate.[2]

Democratic primary

Candidates

To move forward to the primary, candidates had to petition onto the ballot or achieve 30% or more at the Colorado Democratic Party State Assembly. John Hickenlooper was the only candidate to petition onto the primary ballot. All other candidates went through the State Assembly process. Julie Gonzales was the only candidate to achieve 30% or more.[3]

Nominee

Eliminated in primary

Eliminated at convention

Withdrawn

  • Brashad Hasley, software engineer[9]
  • Nichole Miner, college student[10]
  • A.J. Zimpfer, accountant[11]

Endorsements

Julie Gonzales

State legislators

Labor unions

Organizations

Political parties

Karen Breslin (disqualified)

Organizations

Declined to endorse
Newspapers

Fundraising

Italics indicate a withdrawn candidate.

Campaign finance reports as of June 10, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Julie Gonzales (D) $869,056 $642,852 $226,205
John Hickenlooper (D) $9,884,305 $8,561,826 $2,964,562
Source: Federal Election Commission[45]

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size[a]		 Margin
of error		 Julie
Gonzales		 John
Hickenlooper		 Other Undecided
Colorado Community Research[46] May 17–28, 2026 796 (LV) ± 4.0% 34% 41% – 25%
Data for Progress (D)[47][A] February 20–25, 2026 739 (LV) ± 4.0% 13% 45% 4%[b] 37%

Results

Unofficial election night results by county (94% reporting):
  Hickenlooper
  •   50–60%
  •   60–70%
  •   70–80%
  Gonzales
  •   50–60%
Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic John Hickenlooper (incumbent) 456,739 53.2
Democratic Julie Gonzales 402,132 46.8
Total votes 858,871 100.0

Republican primary

Candidates

To move forward to the primary, candidates had to petition onto the ballot or achieve 30% or more at the Colorado Republican Party State Assembly. None of the candidates petitioned onto the primary ballot. All candidates went through the State Assembly process. Mark Baisley was the only candidate to achieve 30% or more.[48]

Nominee

Eliminated at convention

Declined

Endorsements

Janak Joshi
U.S. representatives
George Markert
U.S. representatives

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of June 10, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
Mark Baisley (R) $77,147 $65,702 $11,445
Source: Federal Election Commission[45]

Results

Republican primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Mark Baisley 432,174 100.0
Total votes 432,174 100.0

Independent candidates

Candidates

Declared

  • Bob Chew (Colorado Forward Party)[56]

Filed paperwork

  • Clinton Roosevelt Dale[57]

Withdrawn

  • Joshua William Kuebler[58]

General election

Predictions

Source Ranking As of
Inside Elections[59] Solid D April 23, 2026
Race To The WH[60] Safe D May 22, 2026
RealClearPolitics[61] Solid D May 19, 2026
Sabato's Crystal Ball[62] Safe D March 4, 2026
The Cook Political Report[63] Solid D April 13, 2026
The Economist[64][c] Likely D May 22, 2026

Fundraising

Campaign finance reports as of June 10, 2026
Candidate Raised Spent Cash on hand
John Hickenlooper (D) $9,884,305 $8,561,826 $2,964,562
Mark Baisley (R) $77,147 $65,702 $11,445
Source: Federal Election Commission[45]

Notes

  1. ↑ Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  2. ↑ Breslin with 3%, Zimpfer with 1% and Hasley with 0%
  3. ↑ The Economist's prediction model uses unconventional terminology. For the purpose of equivalency, their "Very Likely" ratings are formatted as a "Likely" rating while "Likely" ratings are formatted as a "Lean" rating.

Partisan clients

  1. ↑ Poll sponsored by the Working Families Party, which has endorsed Gonzales.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Frank, John (November 4, 2020). "John Hickenlooper easily defeats Cory Gardner in Colorado's U.S. Senate race". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved March 12, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Sarles, Jesse (August 22, 2024). "Sen. John Hickenlooper says his re-election bid in two years will be his last campaign for Senate". CBS News. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Colorado Democratic Party Concludes 2026 State Assembly, Announces Results". Colorado Democratic Party. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
  4. ↑ Luning, Ernest (March 26, 2026). "Democratic US Sen. John Hickenlooper qualifies for Colorado primary by petition, will skip assembly". Colorado Politics. Retrieved March 29, 2026.
  5. ↑ Moore, Marilyn (December 8, 2025). "State Sen. Julie Gonzales announces run for Hickenlooper's seat". KUSA-TV.
  6. ↑ Frank, John (March 28, 2026). "Julie Gonzales makes ballot to challenge Hickenlooper in U.S. Senate race". Axios. Retrieved March 29, 2026.
  7. ↑ Deal, Nathan (May 18, 2025). "Karen Breslin, Democrat looking to primary Hickenlooper, holds GJ town hall". The Daily Sentinel. Retrieved December 8, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Official List of Colorado Democratic Candidates". Colorado Democratic Party. March 8, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Brashad Hasley Announces New Chapter: From Government Action to Public Impact Through Technology". February 2, 2026. Retrieved February 3, 2026 – via Instagram.
  10. ↑ "Due to some recent health issues which are affecting the campaign and my ability to focus on my child's healing, I am dropping out of the Colorado US Senate Election. I'll continue to advocate for better state and national policy, and volunteering with the CDP. I'm still in this fight with y'all!". July 3, 2025. Retrieved November 3, 2025 – via Facebook.
  11. ↑ "I want to thank my wife for letting me do this and for supporting me every step of the way. Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, or encouraged me along the way. I put my faith in Julie Gonzales and Karen Breslin to carry the progressive banner forward. Whether John Hickenlooper serves one more year or seven, I hope he can do better for our state". February 4, 2026. Retrieved February 5, 2026 – via Instagram.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Luning, Ernest (June 12, 2026). "Hickenlooper lands endorsements from Elizabeth Warren, Ministerial Alliance in US Senate primary". Colorado Politics. Retrieved June 13, 2026.
  13. ↑ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (April 20, 2026). "Morning Digest: Two red-state Democrats are putting Senate races in play with huge cash hauls". The Downballot. Retrieved April 20, 2026.
  14. 1 2 3 Luning, Ernest (May 14, 2026). "Colorado Democrat John Hickenlooper lands support from trio of local labor unions". Colorado Politics. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  15. ↑ "We've announced our first round of 2026 political endorsements!". COWINS. February 19, 2026. Retrieved April 4, 2026.
  16. ↑ "Our 2026 Endorsed Candidates". UFCW 7. Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  17. ↑ "National Environmental Organizations Endorse Julie Gonzales for U.S. Senator for Colorado". Oil Change Action. June 8, 2026. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  18. ↑ Luning, Ernest (March 24, 2026). "Hickenlooper primary challenger Julie Gonzales endorsed by national progressive group Indivisible". Colorado Politics. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  19. ↑ Winchell, Carly (March 14, 2026). "Colorado Indivisible Action Network Announces Endorsements in Gubernatorial, Senate Races". Ark Valley Voice. Retrieved March 15, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Bold Progressive Slate in Colorado". Our Revolution. Retrieved April 16, 2026.
  21. ↑ "2026 Endorsements". PeaceAction. Retrieved May 22, 2026.
  22. ↑ "Endorsements for 2026". Progressive Victory. Retrieved June 2, 2026.
  23. ↑ "Announcing our endorsement of Julie Gonzales for Senate!". January 23, 2026. Retrieved February 6, 2026 – via Instagram.
  24. ↑ "Third Act Colorado Endorses Julie Gonzales". Third Act. June 15, 2026. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  25. 1 2 "Our Endorsements". Track AIPAC. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
  26. ↑ Monaco, Charles (February 11, 2026). "Colorado Working Families Party Announces 2026 Primary Early Endorsements". Working Families Party. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
  27. 1 2 "John Salazar endorses Hickenlooper re-election bid". The Alamosa Citizen. May 1, 2026. Retrieved June 13, 2026.
  28. ↑ Harris, Kyle (May 29, 2026). "US Senate: Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved June 13, 2026. In contrast, Hickenlooper, who has the endorsement of fellow U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, is calling for greater unity among Democrats.
  29. 1 2 3 4 Luning, Ernest (May 14, 2026). "Colorado Democrat John Hickenlooper lands support from trio of local labor unions". Colorado Politics. Retrieved May 26, 2026.
  30. ↑ "US Senate, Governors & Statewides". 3.14 Action. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Candidates". AIPAC PAC. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Candidates". Brady PAC. Retrieved January 29, 2026.
  33. ↑ Jeffries, Corrine (March 24, 2026). "Center for New Liberalism & Denver New Liberals Endorse John Hickenlooper for U.S. Senate". Center for New Liberalism. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  34. ↑ "End Citizens United Endorses Senator John Hickenlooper for Reelection". End Citizens United. November 20, 2025. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
  35. ↑ "Giffords PAC endorses Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper for reelection". Giffords PAC. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
  36. ↑ "John Hickenlooper". JStreetPAC. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
  37. ↑ "JDCA Endorsed Candidates". Jewish Democratic Council of America. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
  38. ↑ "Candidates". Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs.
  39. ↑ "LCV Action Fund Announces New Slate of Endorsements for U.S. Senate". League of Conservation Voters. October 3, 2025.
  40. 1 2 Luning, Ernest (February 19, 2026). "Hickenlooper endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action, environmental group in Colorado's US Senate race". Colorado Politics. Retrieved February 19, 2026.
  41. ↑ "2026 Endorsements". Population Connection Action Fund. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
  42. ↑ "Elections". Reproductive Freedom for All.
  43. ↑ "Our Revolution Metro Denver is proud to announce its endorsement of Karen Breslin for US Senate, a US Senate candidate for 2026! She is determined to fight and defund the oligarchs and fund the people instead. She is not a status quo politician and is not a political insider. She's running against Hickenlooper". October 24, 2025. Retrieved November 3, 2025 – via Facebook.
  44. ↑ "Is John Hickenlooper the one to fight Trump or should voters give Julie Gonzales a chance?". The Denver Post. June 9, 2026. Retrieved June 13, 2026.
  45. 1 2 3 "2026 Election United States Senate - Colorado". Federal Election Commission. Retrieved November 3, 2025.
  46. ↑ "Undecided Voters Define Colorado Democratic Senate Primary Despite Near-Universal Name ID for Hickenlooper". Colorado Community Research. June 8, 2026. Archived from the original on June 10, 2026. Retrieved June 10, 2026.
  47. ↑ Valverde, Carlos (February 27, 2026). "Colorado Senate Democratic Primary Poll Feb 2026 Summary" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 28, 2026. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
  48. 1 2 Heaney, Briana; Kim ·, Caitlyn (April 11, 2026). "Gubernatorial candidates Scott Bottoms, Victor Marx win slots on GOP primary ballot at state assembly". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved April 12, 2026.
  49. ↑ Toomer, Lindsey (January 5, 2026). "Republican Mark Baisley now running for U.S. Senate, drops bid for Colorado governor". Colorado Newsline. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
  50. ↑ "Preparing to caucus: Republican candidates visit Fremont County in advance of key delegate decisions". Cañon City Daily Record. March 1, 2026. Retrieved March 4, 2026.
  51. ↑ Luning, Ernest (July 8, 2025). "Republican Janak Joshi files to challenge John Hickenlooper in Colorado's 2026 US Senate race". Colorado Politics. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
  52. 1 2 Paul, Jesse (July 1, 2025). "John Hickenlooper is up for reelection. Colorado Republicans don't really have a candidate to challenge him". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Sean Pond seeks U.S. Senate seat". Montrose Press. January 5, 2026. Archived from the original on January 5, 2026. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  54. ↑ Salzman, Jason. "BRIEF: GOP Senate Candidate Says He's Got the Endorsement of Former Congressman Bob Schaffer". Colorado Times Recorder. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
  55. ↑ Luning, Ernest (August 26, 2025). "Tom Tancredo endorses Hickenlooper challenger George Markert in Colorado's GOP US Senate primary". Colorado Politics. Retrieved October 9, 2025.
  56. ↑ "Bob Chew Wants to Make Colorado's Senate Race About the Problems Both Parties Duck". Independent Voter News. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  57. ↑ "Statement of Candidacy". March 2, 2023. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  58. ↑ "Statement of Candidacy". August 1, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  59. ↑ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  60. ↑ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
  61. ↑ "Battle for the Senate 2026". RealClearPolitics. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
  62. ↑ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  63. ↑ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
  64. ↑ "2026 Senate Forecast". The Economist. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
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