Who Is Running for Senate in Colorado in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
John Hickenlooper
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSenator Hickenlooper supports economic growth and job creation through workforce development and infrastructure modernization. He helped write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and introduced legislation such as the Small Business RELIEF Act and the Tariff Refund Act to refund businesses for tariffs and lower prices. He also championed the Lifelong Learning Act to enhance local workforce training and supported the Direct File Act for tax simplification.
Immigration
HighSenator John Hickenlooper voted against the 2026 Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing its failure to implement reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of ICE, including measures like body cameras and judicial warrants, to ensure safety and justice for immigrant communities. Hickenlooper also calls for a comprehensive fix for the immigration system, including a pathway to citizenship, and works to protect birthright citizenship.
Healthcare
HighJohn Hickenlooper has voted against legislation like the "Big Bad Betrayal Act" and government funding bills that he stated failed to lower healthcare costs. He supports extending Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent millions from losing coverage or paying more. Hickenlooper aims for universal healthcare and has received an endorsement from Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | John Hickenlooper |
|---|---|
| Economy | Senator Hickenlooper supports economic growth and job creation through workforce development and infrastructure modernization. He helped write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and introduced legislation such as the Small Business RELIEF Act and the Tariff Refund Act to refund businesses for tariffs and lower prices. He also championed the Lifelong Learning Act to enhance local workforce training and supported the Direct File Act for tax simplification. High |
| Immigration | Senator John Hickenlooper voted against the 2026 Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing its failure to implement reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of ICE, including measures like body cameras and judicial warrants, to ensure safety and justice for immigrant communities. Hickenlooper also calls for a comprehensive fix for the immigration system, including a pathway to citizenship, and works to protect birthright citizenship. High |
| Healthcare | John Hickenlooper has voted against legislation like the "Big Bad Betrayal Act" and government funding bills that he stated failed to lower healthcare costs. He supports extending Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent millions from losing coverage or paying more. Hickenlooper aims for universal healthcare and has received an endorsement from Planned Parenthood Action Fund. High |
| Climate & Energy | Senator John Hickenlooper supports a science-based approach to address climate change, advocating for expanded clean energy, a transition from fossil fuels, and a transformed transportation system. He voted "Yes" on S J Res 86, a resolution to disapprove an EPA regional haze plan. He also supported the Fix Our Forests Act to combat wildfires and improve forest management, and presses against nominees perceived as anti-public lands. He works to protect public lands and secure funding for water conservation. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | John Hickenlooper supports abortion rights and reproductive health, advocating for access to contraception and abortion. He has been endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Population Connection Action. OnTheIssues.org rates him as "Strongly Favors" a woman's unrestricted right to abortion and access to contraception. He voted against measures interfering with abortion care and for cloture on the Right to IVF Act and Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, aiming to protect personal health decisions and overturn the Dobbs decision. High |
| Foreign Policy | John Hickenlooper supported the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing its importance for Colorado defense priorities and the inclusion of bipartisan guardrails. He voted against the Department of Homeland Security funding bill due to concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, advocating for reforms like body cameras. He also voted against several military-related nominations and co-introduced the Defense Technology Hubs Act to boost national security. Additionally, he supported a resolution to remove U.S. armed forces from unauthorized hostilities in Venezuela. High |
| Education | John Hickenlooper supports high-quality, free universal preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, considering early childhood education a vital national investment for student success. He also advocates for alternatives to traditional four-year degrees, including workforce training, apprenticeship programs, and technical degrees, to cultivate a 21st-century workforce. On January 27, 2026, he voted against cloture for the Pregnant Students' Rights Act (S 3627). High |
| Gun Policy | Senator John Hickenlooper co-sponsored the Background Check Expansion Act, which aims to mandate universal background checks. He supports banning assault weapons and advocates for funding community-based violence intervention, alongside implementing red flag laws to prevent firearms from reaching individuals who might cause harm. These policies are presented as measures to save lives while upholding the Second Amendment. In January 2026, he also received an endorsement from BRADY PAC, a gun safety advocacy group. High |
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