Democrat · Colorado Senate · 2026
John Hickenlooper
When John Hickenlooper lost his job as a geologist, he went into beer.
Biography
John Hickenlooper’s brewing career began after he lost his job as a geologist in the 1980s recession.1 In 1988, he and his partners opened Wynkoop Brewing Company in Denver’s warehouse district.21 In 2007, he sold his stake in the brewery and associated restaurants to managers and employees.2
Raised in Pennsylvania, Hickenlooper lost his father to cancer at eight and grew up with a single mother.12 He studied English and geology at Wesleyan University.2 He has two sons, Teddy and Jack; he and his wife, Robin Pringle, welcomed Jack in 2022.2 He also has face blindness, a condition that makes recognizing faces difficult.2
He served as Denver mayor from 2003 to 2011 and Colorado governor from 2011 to 2019, then won election to the Senate in 2020.2 He was part of the group of 22 senators that negotiated the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.3 Its investments include roads, bridges, drinking water systems and broadband access.3 He says he will not seek a third term if reelected in November.4
Against Republican Mark Baisley, Hickenlooper opposes Trump’s war in Iran and advocates immigration enforcement reforms, including requiring officers to identify themselves.45 He supports universal health coverage and stronger health care price disclosure rules.6 The race contrasts his opposition to the 2025 Medicaid reductions with Baisley’s support for them.6 Forward Party candidate Bob Chew is also on the ballot.5
Record and controversies
Late transaction disclosures
Sludge reported in May 2022 that Hickenlooper filed transaction disclosures late for five household transactions made in 2021.7 His office acknowledged that the filings were missed by mistake and said it had implemented preventive steps.7 Those facts establish a disclosure timing problem; they do not establish insider trading.7
Final gift ban findings
In 2020, Colorado’s ethics commission found two violations involving gifts during 2018 travel, including private air travel, meals and ground transportation, and imposed a $2,750 fine.8 Hickenlooper said he would pay.8 Commissioners disagreed about exemptions and valuation, but those dissents did not undo the majority’s final findings.8