AFSCME represents workers in Trinidad, Pueblo, Leadville, Adams, Arapahoe, JeffCo, Boulder, Denver, Commerce City, and more
COLORADO – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper announced that the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest labor union of public employees in the country, has endorsed his reelection campaign. AFSCME’s endorsement adds to Hickenlooper’s definitive backing from a broad coalition of labor, community leaders, and advocacy organizations.
“Strong unions equal a strong economy,” said Hickenlooper. “We’re proud to fight alongside AFSCME against Trump’s union-busting efforts and stand up for the dignity every worker deserves.”
“John Hickenlooper knows that workers power our country and our economy. He’s joined picket lines, supported legislation to strengthen workers’ rights, and is defending public workers from the president’s attacks,” said Sean Hinga from AFSCME. “We’re proud to endorse John Hickenlooper because he is the leader we need in Congress to keep fighting for workers.”
AFSCME represents public service workers, including nurses, corrections officers, sanitation workers, and other essential employees who keep communities running in Colorado and around the country.
The endorsement reflects Hickenlooper’s longstanding support of labor unions and American workers. He’s joined multiple picket lines across Colorado and supported workers as they organize for fair wages and better working conditions.
In the Senate, he co-sponsors the PRO Act to strengthen workers’ rights and help working Americans negotiate better salaries, benefits, and working conditions. He has stood up to Trump’s efforts to revoke the rights of federal employees to collectively bargain. As governor, he helped create CareerWise and invest in apprenticeship programs for our next generation of workers and continues that work in the Senate.
The endorsement builds on a wave of recent support from leading Colorado voices, national progressive groups, and labor organizations, including the Western States Carpenters, which represents nearly 90,000 members across the West. 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.
Last month, 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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