Hickenlooper shifts gears, ramps up for US Senate run

At the Colorado State Fair, you’ll find food and fun, parades and of course, politicians.

For the first time, KRDO had a chance to ask about John Hickenlooper’s White House run and his subsequent switch to the US Senate race.

Just a few weeks ago, Americans were talking about Hickenlooper in possible presidential terms. But now, his road to Washington has shifted gears. He left the 2020 presidential race on August 15 and now, the former governor of Colorado is ramping up for the next race. ​​​​​​

“They’re the same issues,” he said, “They’re just more focused when you’re in Colorado.”

Far from discouraged, Hickenlooper says the experience for him was positive and he’s not done fighting for Coloradans.

“Go full tilt, try to beat Cory Gardner for the US Senate seat and get back to getting the government to work in Washington,” he said.

Now, he’s relying on his resume, pointing to years of experience in politics.

“I was Governor for eight years. I better know the details!” he said.

Hickenlooper says he will continue to focus his efforts on affordable health care coverage and climate change. He’s already gained the endorsement of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

That upset six women who were already running for the same seat, They wrote to the committee stating:​​​​​​, “Colorado has never had a woman United States Senator and one has to wonder if circumstances such as this have contributed to that unfortunate outcome.”

Hickenlooper says endorsements don’t mean much to him, choosing instead to let Colorado voters decide.

KRDO did reach out to Cory Gardner’s camp but haven’t heard back at this time.