John Hickenlooper — Democrat Candidate for U.S. Senate in Colorado, 2026

Senator John Hickenlooper voted against the 2026 Department of Homeland Security funding bill, citing its failure to implement reforms for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of ICE, including measures like body cameras and judicial warrants, to ensure safety and justice for immigrant communities. Hickenlooper also calls for a comprehensive fix for the immigration system, including a pathway to citizenship, and works to protect birthright citizenship.

“The American people have seen with their own eyes that ICE is out of control. The agency needs a top-to-bottom overhaul. We proposed reforms — like body cameras, judicial warrants, and strict restraints on the use of force — things that are standard for local law enforcement agencies. Yet President Trump and the Republicans have chosen to shut down the government rather than work with us. We’ll use every tool at our disposal until ICE is overhauled to keep our communities safe.” — Senator John Hickenlooper, Statement After NO Vote on DHS Funding Bill, Feb 12, 2026”

John Hickenlooper has voted against legislation like the "Big Bad Betrayal Act" and government funding bills that he stated failed to lower healthcare costs. He supports extending Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent millions from losing coverage or paying more. Hickenlooper aims for universal healthcare and has received an endorsement from Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

“To get quality, affordable healthcare for everyone. (John Hickenlooper, hickenlooper.com/hickenlooper-statement-on-senate-victory/, November 4, 2020)”

Senator John Hickenlooper supports a science-based approach to address climate change, advocating for expanded clean energy, a transition from fossil fuels, and a transformed transportation system. He voted "Yes" on S J Res 86, a resolution to disapprove an EPA regional haze plan. He also supported the Fix Our Forests Act to combat wildfires and improve forest management, and presses against nominees perceived as anti-public lands. He works to protect public lands and secure funding for water conservation.

““There is a wildfire crisis across much of the country – our communities need action now,” said Hickenlooper. “Wildfires won’t wait. After bipartisan committee passage, the next step is a full Senate vote. The Fix Our Forests Act will make our communities and environment more resilient.” (John Hickenlooper, Hickenlooper Cheers Committee Passage of Bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, Feb 24, 2026)”

John Hickenlooper supports abortion rights and reproductive health, advocating for access to contraception and abortion. He has been endorsed by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Population Connection Action. OnTheIssues.org rates him as "Strongly Favors" a woman's unrestricted right to abortion and access to contraception. He voted against measures interfering with abortion care and for cloture on the Right to IVF Act and Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, aiming to protect personal health decisions and overturn the Dobbs decision.

““We won’t let Republicans pull us backwards,” John Hickenlooper said in a statement in response to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund backing. “We need to overturn the Dobbs decision, protect abortion access, and keep mifepristone safe and accessible.” (ColoradoPolitics.com, February 19, 2026)”

John Hickenlooper supported the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), citing its importance for Colorado defense priorities and the inclusion of bipartisan guardrails. He voted against the Department of Homeland Security funding bill due to concerns regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, advocating for reforms like body cameras. He also voted against several military-related nominations and co-introduced the Defense Technology Hubs Act to boost national security. Additionally, he supported a resolution to remove U.S. armed forces from unauthorized hostilities in Venezuela.

““Illegally deploying troops to cities. Deporting service members. Conducting illegal military operations. Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth continue to carry out their disastrous agenda domestically and abroad.” Hickenlooper said. “For the first time, we successfully forced Republicans to agree to hold this administration accountable — all while supporting Colorado defense priorities like NORTHCOM, NORAD, and more.” (John Hickenlooper, Hickenlooper Statement on FY26 NDAA Vote, Dec 11, 2025)”

John Hickenlooper supports high-quality, free universal preschool for 3 and 4 year olds, considering early childhood education a vital national investment for student success. He also advocates for alternatives to traditional four-year degrees, including workforce training, apprenticeship programs, and technical degrees, to cultivate a 21st-century workforce. On January 27, 2026, he voted against cloture for the Pregnant Students' Rights Act (S 3627).

“Hickenlooper: “This isn’t a child’s game. These are people’s lives.” WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper called out President Trump’s latest efforts to harm Colorado’s working families during a Senate Health Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on Feb 13, 2026.”

Senator John Hickenlooper co-sponsored the Background Check Expansion Act, which aims to mandate universal background checks. He supports banning assault weapons and advocates for funding community-based violence intervention, alongside implementing red flag laws to prevent firearms from reaching individuals who might cause harm. These policies are presented as measures to save lives while upholding the Second Amendment. In January 2026, he also received an endorsement from BRADY PAC, a gun safety advocacy group.

“We must fund community-based violence intervention and implement red flag laws to ensure guns are kept away from kids and people who might harm others. These common-sense policies will save lives without compromising the Second Amendment." John Hickenlooper, Hickenlooper.senate.gov/issues/gun-violence/, Feb 3, 2026.”