COLORADO – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper announced that former U.S. Congressman John Salazar endorsed his 2026 Senate reelection campaign. Former Congressman Salazar represented Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District from 2005 to 2011.
“John Salazar knows Colorado deserves more than the corruption and lawlessness coming out of Washington,” said Hickenlooper. “He’s a tireless leader who fought for rural communities. He delivered for Coloradans and worked to improve water access for families and farmers in Southern Colorado. We’re honored to earn his support.”
“Senator Hickenlooper is a longtime ally of ranchers, producers, and rural Coloradans. He’s spoken out against how this admin’s cruel tariffs and senseless decision have hurt our farmers and beef producers,” said former Representative Salazar. “John knows water almost better than anyone in the West. He visited each corner of our state and brought us together to create Colorado’s very first water plan. He’s continued his leadership in the Senate, unlocking billions for water conservation projects and convening the first-ever Colorado River Caucus to help address our drought crisis.”
Hickenlooper also recently received endorsements from other San Luis Valley leaders, including former Secretary Ken Salazar, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico under President Biden, Secretary of the Interior under President Obama, and U.S. Senator from Colorado, and Arnold Salazar.
Hickenlooper’s campaign has continued to pick up endorsements and build the strong backing needed to keep Colorado blue. He received the endorsement from major Colorado voices, progressive organizations, and unions, including the Western States Carpenters and AFSCME, the largest labor union of public employees in the country. Reproductive Freedom for All, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, NRDC Action, Brady PAC, GIFFORDS PAC, End Citizens United and Let America Vote, League of Conservation Voters Action Fund and Conservation Colorado, and 314 Action have all also recently endorsed Hickenlooper.
Lauren Boebert’s hand-picked MAGA candidate, State Senator Mark Baisley, won the sole spot in the Republican primary to challenge Hickenlooper.
Meanwhile, Hickenlooper’s campaign has continued to pick up steam. Hickenlooper raised nearly $1.4 million in the first quarter of 2026 and has more than $4 million cash on hand for his 2026 reelection campaign. Hickenlooper leads the other statewide candidates in Colorado as the only candidate to raise more than one million dollars each quarter since 2025. His campaign continues to receive strong grassroots support, with more than 80% of donations being $25 or less.
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