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John Hickenlooper triumphs in Colorado's U.S. Senate race

John Frank

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper speaks during a unity rally July 2. Photo: Timothy Hurst/Denver Post via Getty Images

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper easily won a second six-year term Tuesday, defeating Republican rival Mark Baisley, according to the Associated Press.

Why it matters: The Democratic Party needed to win the Colorado race to bolster its chances at a majority in the U.S. Senate. Hickenlooper's victory keeps the party in control of both of Colorado's Senate seats.

Driving the news: Hickenlooper, a former Denver mayor and two-term governor, defeated Mark Baisley, a state senator from Woodland Park, according to preliminary results.

The Associated Press declared the incumbent the winner just minutes after polls closed at 7pm. Hickenlooper took about 60% of the vote, based on early results at 7:45pm.

State of play: Through Election Day, the campaign drew little attention or excitement as Hickenlooper used his fundraising and name-ID advantages to dominate the contest.

He kept the focus of the race on President Trump, blaming him for the Iran war's spike in gas prices and cronyism in the White House.
The one notable development in the race came when he expressed regret for supporting some of Trump's Cabinet picks.

The other side: Baisley didn't waver from his conservative views, expressing support for the Iran war and mass deportations while opposing abortion.

The intrigue: Hickenlooper, 74, has said this is his final term in the Senate, meaning the race to replace him starts now.

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John Hickenlooper triumphs in Colorado's U.S. Senate race

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