Hickenlooper secures second U.S. Senate term

John Hickenlooper won 61 percent of the vote for U.S. Senate, securing a second term in the race called by the Associated Press at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Democrat defeated state Sen. Mark Baisley, who received 35 percent of the vote, and Forward Party candidate Bob Chew, who captured 2.5 percent. Hickenlooper addressed supporters at approximately 7:30 p.m., stating that the voters’ will is clear and that the group would rebuild what President Donald Trump tore apart.

Hickenlooper, 74, criticized tariffs, violence by federal immigration police, and damage to the healthcare system. He pledged that the Senate would investigate illegal activity allegedly committed by the Trump administration.

The former Denver mayor and Colorado governor first won the seat in 2020 by defeating Cory Gardner. Hickenlooper has stated he will retire after this term, at age 80. He entered the general election as a heavy favorite, having raised millions of dollars to secure his nomination and defeat Baisley and Chew.

Baisley, described as one of the state Capitol’s most conservative lawmakers, entered the race late and raised little money. He largely supported Trump’s polarizing policies. Chew, who spent more than $3.5 million of his own funds, focused on the national debt and sought to form an independent caucus in the Senate.

Both challengers targeted unaffiliated voters dissatisfied with the major parties. No outside money supported Baisley, and no liberal groups spent to defend Hickenlooper. Hickenlooper acknowledged voter anger but indicated that supporters preferred his candidacy to the alternatives offered by Baisley and Chew.

The result follows Hickenlooper’s close primary victory over state Sen. Julie Gonzales, which occurred despite his fundraising advantage. The election outcome aligns with the expectation of a strong midterm performance for Democrats nationwide.