Progressive enters U.S. Senate race to challenge Hickenlooper

Driving the news: In an announcement video, Gonzales took direct aim at Hickenlooper, the former two-term governor and Denver mayor, saying it's time for a new approach.

• She is a two-term state senator, a Yale alumna, an immigration rights activist and a member of the local chapter of Democratic Socialists of America

What they're saying: "John Hickenlooper has been in office for over 20 years," Gonzales says. "I know we are not fooled by his so-called common-sense approach. Because there is no sense in voting for Donald Trump's nominees or parading across the country telling us we don't want universal health care."

• "This 'go along to get along' politics is robbing us blind while billionaires and the politicians they control sit pretty with the status quo."
• In a statement after Gonzales announcement, Hickenlooper campaign spokesperson Jess Cohen said the senator is fighting to lower costs for working families and blocking plans to sell public lands.

Context: Hickenlooper, who is seeking a second and final Senate term, voted in favor of 10 of President Trump's nominees, saying the support would get him better access to the Republican administration.

Flashback: This is not the first time Hickenlooper has faced a challenge from within his own party. In his 2020 bid, the Denver politician defeated Andrew Romanoff, who ran a progressive but unsuccessful campaign, before beating incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in the general election.