Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger

Hickenlooper holds Senate seat after defeating progressive challenger

John Hickenlooper beat back a progressive challenge from state Sen. Julie Gonzales on Tuesday, winning the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate and advancing to the November general election in his bid for a second — and final — term, AP reports.

Why it matters: The result is a win for the Democratic establishment at a moment when progressive challengers are testing veteran incumbents across the state and nationally.

State of play: Hickenlooper, 74, won without engaging his opponent. He refused to debate Gonzales and skipped multiple campaign forums she attended.

  • His well-known brand, after serving as Denver mayor, Colorado governor and U.S. senator, helped carry him across the finish line.
  • Gonzales dominated the Democratic assembly that Hickenlooper skipped, winning 74% of delegates. But she lacked the money and campaign infrastructure to turn activist support into statewide traction.

    • By the numbers: Hickenlooper led Gonzales 57.3% to 42.7% when the AP called the race at 7:36pm.

    Between the lines: The race exposed real divides inside the party. Hickenlooper backed a public option, while Gonzales supported Medicare for All; Gonzales also pushed further left on issues such as fracking and the Senate filibuster.

    What's next: Hickenlooper has vowed this is his final term in office. He now turns to the November general election against state Sen. Mark Baisley, who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination.