The winner will serve a six-year term, extending beyond Trump’s current term in office, and will face votes on federal taxes, health coverage and immigration enforcement.

Hickenlooper, a former Denver mayor and Colorado governor, won the Senate seat in 2020 by defeating Republican incumbent Cory Gardner. A former brewpub owner, he has cultivated a reputation as a pragmatic dealmaker willing to work across party lines. He has said a second term would be his last.

Baisley, who works in aerospace and cybersecurity, served in the Colorado House in 2019 and joined the state Senate in 2023. He represents a district that includes Woodland Park. His positions often align with the party’s far-right conservatives, though his campaign has struggled to gain traction.

The candidates differ on several national issues. Hickenlooper opposes Trump’s tariffs and the Republican spending bill, while Baisley supports both. On immigration, Baisley backs deporting immigrants considered dangerous while allowing vetted legal immigrants to remain. Hickenlooper has criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics and detention practices.

Hickenlooper supports restoring federal abortion protections. Baisley has voted against similar protections in Colorado. They also disagree over the war in Iran: Hickenlooper has described the military campaign as reckless and costly, while Baisley has defended it.

Forward Party candidate Bob Chew is also running and has spent heavily to raise his profile, but remains behind the leading candidates, according to the available race overview.