Baisley Concedes to Hickenlooper, Calls for GOP Reset

Republican State Sen. Mark Baisley conceded the U.S. Senate race to Democratic incumbent John Hickenlooper on Tuesday night. The defeat ended Baisley’s campaign after he spent eight years serving as a state legislator.

Baisley spoke at the Colorado Republican Party’s election-night gathering in Lakewood. He said he called Hickenlooper to inform him of the result. Baisley described the former governor and mayor as gracious during the conversation.

The losing candidate offered to work with the winning senator if they could find common ground that benefits the state. “Listen, if there’s something that I can do to help you, something that is advantageous and beneficial to the state of Colorado that we both love, then you got my number. Call me up,” Baisley said. Hickenlooper agreed to consider the offer, and Baisley said he would see if the senator follows through.

Before entering the Senate race, Baisley campaigned as a conservative alternative to Hickenlooper. He argued that Coloradans had lived under single-party rule for too long without seeing marked improvements in their lives. He acknowledged that Hickenlooper was the most recognizable politician in the state.

Baisley used his concession speech to critique the current state of the Colorado Republican Party. He described a level of dysfunction within the group and suggested that members need to rethink how they communicate their ideas to voters. The party has struggled to win statewide races in recent years.

He called for the party to retreat and regroup. “I think we need to go retreat and regroup for sure,” Baisley said. He emphasized the need to balance clear messaging with the maintenance of core conservative principles.

Baisley pointed to specific areas for improvement, including financial position and recruitment. He said the party needs to find people who can help rebuild the state organization and fund its operations. He also highlighted the need to better explain conservative positions on issues like affordability and housing.

The former state senator questioned whether President Donald Trump’s communication style affected the performance of Republican candidates. “I do think that we need to assess whether the bold loudness, the delivery of our president, if that has affected things,” Baisley said. While he supports much of the president’s agenda, Baisley admitted having reservations about the delivery. “You cringe a bit, you know, in the delivery,” he added.

Baisley said he entered the race without a backup plan for his political future. “I did not have a plan B, so ask me next week,” he said.