Story perspectives

Hickenlooper Wins Colorado Senate Primary, 57%

7/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

John Hickenlooper defeated Julie Gonzales in Colorado’s Democratic Senate primary with about 57% of the vote.
John Hickenlooper refused to debate Julie Gonzales, ran television ads, and raised $9.88 million, spending under $87,000 and holding $2.96 million cash.
John Hickenlooper will meet Republican state Senator Mark Baisley in the November election, a race the Cook Political Report rates Democratic in a state that has not elected a Republican statewide in a decade.

History

Historical Context

In 2008, Democrat Mark Udall captured Colorado’s Class 2 Senate seat, the first Democratic win there since 1972, after Republican Wayne Allard retired. The victory reflected growing Hispanic and young-professional populations that were turning the state blue. By 2024, that trend helped former governor John Hickenlooper win the Democratic primary with 57% of the vote and nearly $10 million in contributions.

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Story summary

John Hickenlooper defeated Julie Gonzales in Colorado’s Democratic Senate primary with about 57% of the vote.
John Hickenlooper refused to debate Julie Gonzales, ran television ads, and raised $9.88 million, spending under $87,000 and holding $2.96 million cash.
John Hickenlooper will meet Republican state Senator Mark Baisley in the November election, a race the Cook Political Report rates Democratic in a state that has not elected a Republican statewide in a decade.

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