CO-SEN: State Sen. Julie Gonzales launches primary challenge against Sen. Hickenlooper

[RandySF]

Democratic state Sen. Julie Gonzales on Monday announced she is running to unseat U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper in 2026, aiming to ride a wave of liberal and progressive dissatisfaction with Democratic leadership to an upset primary victory.

Gonzales’ announcement, rumored for weeks, sets up a clash in Colorado between a leading progressive voice at the state Legislature and a business-friendly moderate who has been a fixture in Colorado politics for roughly three decades.

In an interview, Gonzales called the 2026 midterm elections “a defining moment for the future of the Democratic Party.”

“What sort of party do we want to be?” Gonzales said. “Do we want to send back John Hickenlooper, a go-along-to-get-along incrementalist, or do we want to send a proven legislator, with a track record of taking on big fights against a well-funded corporate lobby, who’s gotten s*** done?”



https://coloradonewsline.com/2025/12/08/julie-gonzales-primary-hickenlooper/

[bucolic_frolic]

1. I know little of CO politics or the incumbent or the challengers

but this is the way to effect change. If you oust someone from the party ticket, change is coming.

[hlthe2b]

2. More likely an opening to a near-defunct R party to take advantage and reemerge successful at our expense...

I'm not saying we should never primary an incumbent from our own party, but DAMN. Talk about biting off our nose to spite our face and let the "fates" backfire on us...

[RandySF]

3. I need more than swearing to be impressed.

People can say what they want but I think it’s a cheap but popular ploy to impress voters.

[tritsofme]

4. Pointless campaign against a good Democrat, but I'm sure she will grow her donor list!