Progressive Launches Primary Challenge To Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper

State Sen. Julie Gonzales argues the incumbent's centrist politics are out of step with the state.

Colorado State Sen. Julie Gonzales in launching a primary challenge to incumbent Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper, the first major progressive challenge to an incumbent senator this election cycle.

Gonzales, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America who represents Denver in the legislature, will have an uphill battle to oust Hickenlooper, a 73-year-old former governor who is running for a second term in the Senate that he says will be his last.

While progressive candidates have launched a host of challenges to incumbent Democrats in the House, Gonzales’ campaign represents the first major progressive challenge this cycle to an incumbent senator ― a much more expensive and challenging proposition than doing battle in deep-blue House districts.

In an interview, Gonzales attacked what she called Hickenlooper’s “go-along to get-along, poll-tested incrementalism.” She criticized him for backing 10 of President Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees, and argued his business-friendly stances were exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.

“Working people built Colorado, and we deserve a government that works for us,” Gonzales said. “Rejecting MAGA extremism is just the baseline. We need to take on the establishment and the corporations.”