John Hickenlooper is the incumbent U.S. Senator from Colorado, first elected in 2020. The 73-year-old Denver native previously served as mayor of Denver from 2003 to 2011 and governor of Colorado from 2011 to 2019. Hickenlooper briefly sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination before switching to his successful 2020 Senate campaign. In late 2024, he announced he would seek re-election but indicated this campaign would be his final run for the Senate.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in various states due to his parents' work. Hickenlooper earned a geology degree from Wesleyan University. He worked as a geologist before starting a brewpub that became successful. His business success led to involvement in Denver civic affairs and his election as mayor. He became known as a moderate, business-friendly Democrat before serving two terms as governor, where he balanced progressive and business interests.
Moderate approach - voting to confirm Trump cabinet nominees to maintain relationships
Hickenlooper voted to confirm 10 of Trump's 21 cabinet nominees, among the highest among Senate Democrats. He justified these votes as necessary to maintain 'direct lines' with executive officials to reduce damage to Colorado.
Voting History: Confirmed cabinet picks including Chris Wright (Energy Secretary), Doug Burgum (Interior Secretary), and others. His voting record places him among the top Senate Democrats most likely to support Trump nominees.
Hickenlooper has been relatively moderate for a Democratic senator. From Jan 2021 to Mar 2026, he missed 49 of 2,362 roll call votes (2.1%), on par with the Senate median. He has bipartisan cosponsors on bills at rates comparable to other Senate sophomores.
| Bill | Title | Vote | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HR 6644 | Bill to increase the supply of housing in America | Yea | 2026-03-12 | Supported legislation to address housing supply crisis affecting Colorado affordability |
Official campaign messaging emphasizes fighting Trump's agenda while defending pragmatic coalition-building approach
Hickenlooper is a 'go-along-to-get-along incrementalist' whose votes for Trump nominees are 'disqualifying'
Gonzales argues Hickenlooper's moderate approach fails to meet the moment of Trump's presidency and represents failed Democratic leadership
Hickenlooper's 'extreme moderate' position and accommodation of industry concerns is part of the problem enabling Trump
Breslin criticizes Hickenlooper for voting to confirm Trump appointees and supporting corporate interests over working people