Key takeaways:

• Mark Baisley ends his bid for Colorado governor to run for U.S. Senate.
• He will challenge Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper in November.
• Baisley cites eight years in the state legislature as his experience.
• His shift reshapes both the Senate and governor primary races.

Mark Baisley enters U.S. Senate race

Colorado state senator Mark Baisley surprised many when he announced on a podcast that he will leave the governor’s primary race. Instead, he will run for the U.S. Senate. He made the call after seven years in the state legislature. He said he feels more prepared for the national stage in Washington than in Denver.

He spoke with host Brandon Wark of Free State Colorado. He said the governor’s race will have strong candidates even without him. However, he believes his skills fit the U.S. Senate better. He plans to use his legislative record to appeal to voters across the state. He also hopes a contested Democratic primary will help his campaign.

How Mark Baisley plans to challenge Hickenlooper

Baisley will face incumbent Sen. John Hickenlooper, a former governor of Colorado. Hickenlooper won his last race by a solid margin. Baisley says he wants to offer a true conservative alternative. He argues that Colorado needs a senator who will stand firm on limited government and fiscal responsibility.

He plans to highlight Hickenlooper’s record on spending and immigration. He also promises to advocate for energy independence and lower taxes. Baisley hopes that younger voters and rural communities will connect with his message. Moreover, he thinks a fresh face in Washington could energize Republican voters.

He is not the only Republican in the Senate race. Other GOP contenders include Janak Joshi, Sean Pond, George Markert and Dathan Jones. Baisley is the only one with state senate experience. He believes that advantage will help him stand out in debates and fundraising.

A crowded field for Republicans

The Republican Senate primary now features at least five candidates. Janak Joshi once served in the state house and ran for Congress. Sean Pond is a commissioner from Montrose County. George Markert and Dathan Jones bring unique backgrounds in business and local service.

Each candidate promises to fight for conservative values. Still, none can match Baisley’s tenure in the state legislature. He has served on key committees and backed several high-profile bills. His supporters say this experience matters when shaping federal policy.

Furthermore, he has built relationships with grassroots groups across Colorado. He has appeared at town halls from Pueblo to Fort Collins. He believes those connections will help him secure the Republican nomination in June.

Effects on the governor’s primary

Baisley’s exit reshapes another heated contest. The GOP primary for governor already included state senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, state representative Scott Bottoms and others. Their campaigns now face a new dynamic without Baisley in the mix.

Candidates like Jason Mikesell, Bob Brinkerhoff, Jason Clark, Jon Gray-Ginsberg, Kelvin “K-Man” Wimberly and Will McBride continue to seek the nomination. Without Baisley, some voters may shift support to Kirkmeyer or Bottoms. Others might back Greg Lopez, who now runs as an unaffiliated candidate.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser lead the field. Their primary will decide who runs against the eventual GOP nominee. Colorado has not elected a Republican governor in two decades, making this race vital for both parties.

What to watch next

As the Senate campaign heats up, pay attention to fundraising totals. Candidates must report their numbers monthly. Watch which contender brings in the most small-dollar donations. Also, keep an eye on debate schedules once primaries conclude.

Mark Baisley will need to build name recognition beyond his legislative district. He must appeal to suburban and urban voters. Additionally, he plans to secure endorsements from business groups and conservative organizations. Those endorsements can provide credibility and financial backing.

On the Democratic side, Hickenlooper faces his own primary challenge. Julie Gonzales, Karen Breslin, Brashad Hasley and A.J. Zimpfer run in the Democratic contest. A tough primary could drain Hickenlooper’s resources. Baisley hopes that split in Democratic ranks will boost his general election chances.

The general election campaign will start in earnest after November’s primaries. Both parties will hold conventions and launch major ad campaigns. Polls in the coming months will show how voters respond to each message. Ultimately, Colorado’s mix of urban, suburban and rural voters will decide the winner.

FAQs

What prompted Mark Baisley to switch races?

He said his eight years in the state legislature prepare him better for the U.S. Senate than the governor’s office.

Who are the main Republican rivals in the Senate race?

Janak Joshi, Sean Pond, George Markert and Dathan Jones join him in the Republican primary.

How might Baisley’s move affect the governor’s contest?

Without him, some GOP voters may consolidate around state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer or state Rep. Scott Bottoms.

When are the Colorado primaries?

Both parties will hold their primaries in June, with dates set by the state election board.