Janak Joshi is a retired Colorado Springs physician and former Republican state legislator who represented District 16 from 2013-2017. The conservative firebrand describes himself as the 'Pro-Trump, America First Republican' and filed for the U.S. Senate race in July 2025, becoming the first well-known Republican candidate to challenge Hickenlooper. Joshi lost bids for re-election to the state House in 2016 and for Congress in the 8th Congressional District in 2024.
Indian-American immigrant who came to America legally with $100 and a suitcase. Joshi is a physician who practiced in Colorado Springs for 30 years, opened a medical clinic and dialysis centers employing ~50 Coloradans. Served as Colorado Springs physician and board member for Crime Stoppers. Key controversy: voluntarily surrendered his medical license in 2008 after state suspended it following admission of 'unprofessional conduct' in patient care.