CHICAGO – Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) announced Wednesday he will run for reelection in 2026 but added his second term will be his last.
Hickenlooper was speaking at our Punchbowl News HQ on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention where he also discussed Democrats’ chances of keeping the Senate majority and other key issues on Congress’ plate.
Hickenlooper, a geologist, brewer and former Colorado governor, came to the Senate in 2021.
“I’m only going to do two terms,” Hickenlooper, 72, told us. “I said it first here. Two-term limit. Oath of conscience.”
Other top takeaways:
Harris momentum: Hickenlooper compared the enthusiasm that Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign has sparked, especially among young voters, to former President Barack Obama’s 2008 run for the White House. Hickenlooper was mayor of Denver during Obama’s first campaign.
“That was the last time I’ve seen anything close to this,” Hickenlooper said. “The level of excitement and enthusiasm is off the charts.”
Vulnerable colleagues: Hickenlooper said he expects Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) to hold on to their seats as they face tough races this year against well-funded GOP challengers in red states.
Hickenlooper acknowledged split-ticket voters, who would have once boosted vulnerable Democrats, have “diminished.” Still, the Colorado Democrat said both Tester and Brown know how to run their own races and appeal to a broad swath of voters.
“Jon Tester and Sherrod Brown are two of the best senators of either party in the Senate and have deep respect in their home states,” Hickenlooper said. “I think both of them are going to win.”
Policy fights: Hickenlooper also discussed key issues facing Congress, including how to legislate on artificial intelligence, expiring tax cuts, Ukraine aid and permitting reform. The former Colorado governor echoed the optimism of an earlier panel of energy CEOs that legislation to overhaul the permitting process is likely to pass.
Hickenlooper said there is “absolutely a chance” that provisions related to permitting reform could be attached to must-pass legislation. And regarding Ukraine, Hickenlooper criticized Republicans for opposing efforts to send additional money to the embattled U.S. ally as it continues its fight against Russia.
You can watch the full conversation with Hickenlooper here.
