Colorado Senate primary: Hickenlooper skips debates, Gonzales challenges incumbent

Incumbent U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper has declined to appear at any of the upcoming Democratic primary forums, including the Colorado Democratic Party’s DemFest event on June 6, continuing a pattern of skipping at least seven debate‑type events. State Sen. Julie Gonzales, his progressive challenger, has repeatedly requested a joint debate, but Hickenlooper’s campaign says his schedule of Washington trips and other engagements prevents participation.

The June 30 Democratic primary pits the 74‑year‑old moderate incumbent against the 43‑year‑old Gonzales, who is campaigning on Medicare for All, universal childcare, billionaire taxes and filibuster reform. The winner will face Republican state Sen. Mark Baisley, who runs unopposed, in the November general election. A Gonzales victory would make her the first woman and second Latina to represent Colorado in the U.S. Senate.