John Wright Hickenlooper, Jr. was born February 7, 1952, in Narberth, Pennsylvania, and raised by his mother after his father died when he was eight years old.
He attended Wesleyan University, earning a B.A. in English in 1974 and later a master’s degree in Geology in 1980.
After working as a geologist for a petroleum company, he lost his job in the economic downturn of the mid-1980s. Rather than leave Colorado, Hickenlooper pivoted — in 1988, he co-founded the state’s first brewpub. As a small-business owner, he helped rejuvenate a neglected warehouse district in downtown Denver into a thriving neighborhood, while also investing in historic-building renovations and affordable housing.
His unconventional path from geology and small business into public service resonates with many. In his own words, his experience as a business owner grounded him in real community needs and taught him how to bring people together to solve problems.
Hickenlooper’s political career began in local government: he was elected Mayor of Denver in 2003 (serving until 2011), then became the 42nd Governor of Colorado from 2011 to 2019. In 2020, he was elected to the U.S. Senate; he assumed office on January 3, 2021.
Today, as Colorado’s U.S. Senator, Hickenlooper presents himself as a pragmatic, results-oriented leader — someone who brings hands-on business experience to Washington, listens to Coloradans, and strives for bipartisan, problem-solving politics.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
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Climate & Public Lands: Combatting climate change, protecting Colorado’s public lands, and supporting clean energy.
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Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Jobs & Economy: Leveraging his small-business background to support entrepreneurs, spur job growth, and strengthen the economy.
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Health Care: Lowering health care costs and expanding access to affordable care.
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Infrastructure & Innovation: Investing in infrastructure, water and energy modernization, and promoting science, technology, and innovation.
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Equity & Civil Rights, Immigration, Gun Violence Prevention: Defending civil rights, supporting equitable policies, and enacting reasonable gun safety laws.
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Education & Workforce Training: Ensuring opportunity for education and training to adapt to a changing economy.
Major Accomplishments
As Entrepreneur & Community Builder
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Co-founded Colorado’s first brewpub in 1988, helping revitalize Denver’s Lower Downtown, and contributing to historic preservation and affordable housing development.
As Mayor of Denver (2003–2011)
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Eliminated a large budget deficit without major service cuts or layoffs after taking office.
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Championed and delivered major mass-transit expansion with a multi-billion-dollar voter-approved plan, strengthening public infrastructure and reducing traffic.
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Introduced early childhood education for 4-year-olds citywide, a sustainability office, and some of the city’s most significant police-reform initiatives to improve public safety and accountability.
As Governor of Colorado (2011–2019)
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Expanded health care coverage under the federal Affordable Care Act, bringing Medicaid expansion to thousands of Coloradans — significantly reducing uninsured rates.
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Signed landmark gun safety legislation following the 2012 Aurora theater shooting: universal background checks on transfers and bans on high-capacity magazines.
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Oversaw regulatory advances balancing energy, environment, and economic interests — including one of the earliest and most comprehensive state-level methane regulations for oil and gas operations in the U.S.
As U.S. Senator (2021–present)
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Through 2023, sponsored and helped pass legislation benefiting Colorado: e.g., the Pueblo Act, which will close the U.S. Army’s Pueblo Chemical Depot and transfer land for redevelopment — generating local economic opportunity.
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Introduced legislation like the BIG WIRES Act to modernize energy infrastructure and accelerate clean-energy transmission — aligning with his commitment to clean energy and climate action.
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Continues to prioritize bipartisan, pragmatic solutions — positioning himself as a lawmaker who listens, engages with constituents, and works for tangible results for Colorado families and businesses.
Why Hickenlooper Matters: What He Brings to the U.S. Senate
John Hickenlooper embodies a blend of real-world business experience, executive government leadership, and a commitment to pragmatic problem solving. From revitalizing urban neighborhoods to expanding health care access, from modernizing infrastructure to enacting sensible public safety laws, his track record shows he can deliver results.
In a deeply divided Washington — and in a time of challenges like climate change, economic uncertainty, and rising costs — Hickenlooper’s combination of entrepreneurship, bipartisanship, and hands-on governance presents a compelling path forward. He has repeatedly demonstrated the abil
We're counting on grassroots supporters like you to power John Hickenlooper to victory.
I've made several careers out of people underestimating me - it's almost an advantage worth cultivating.
- John Hickenlooper