Friday, August 16, 2019

John Hickenlooper, who was a candidate in the Democratic primaries for the 2020 United States presidential election, ended his campaign yesterday. Hickenlooper made his official announcement via a YouTube video in which he thanked his supporters.

According to reports, Hickenlooper was polling so low nationally, he was in danger of not qualifying for the next round of televised debates. Reports citing sources within the Democratic Party have indicated Hickenlooper was actively encouraged to drop out in favor of a run for a seat in the United States Senate.

Hickenlooper said in the video, “I’ve heard from so many Coloradans who want me to run for the United States Senate. They remind me how much is at stake for our country. And our state. I intend to give that some serious thought.”

I’ve heard from so many Coloradans who want me to run for the United States Senate […] I intend to give that some serious thought.

The senate seat from Colorado due for election next year is that of incumbent Republican Cory Gardner. Recent opinion polling by Democratic organizations indicated Hickenlooper is far more popular than any other Democrat running against Gardner and also ahead of Gardner.

Hickenlooper has served as mayor of Denver and governor of Colorado. His moderate politics have clashed with some of the stances of national leaders of his party such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren; he has notably come out against Medicare for all.

Besides his political career, Hickenlooper has been a successful entrepreneur, involved in the successful launch of a chain of pubs and restaurants.