Former U.S. Attorney John Walsh on Wednesday morning became the second Democrat to drop out of Colorado’s U.S. Senate primary race following the entrance of John Hickenlooper.
Today’s the day.
It’s been one year since The Colorado Sun began publishing impactful journalism for Colorado and we need the support of every reader like you.
Memberships start at just $5/month, but if you act right now you can get our biggest discount ever on a Newsletters+ membership, which includes access to members-only newsletters The Unaffiliated (Colorado politics) and The Outsider (everything outdoors by Jason Blevins).
(Already a member? Click here to login and hide this message.)
Today’s the day.
It’s been one year since The Colorado Sun began publishing impactful journalism for Colorado and we need the support of every reader like you.
Memberships start at just $5/month, but act now to get our biggest discount ever on our Newsletters+ membership, which includes access to members-only newsletters The Unaffiliated (Colorado politics) and The Outsider (everything outdoors by Jason Blevins).
Thanks for your support!
It’s been one year since The Colorado Sun began publishing impactful journalism for our state and it’s members like you that are helping us build something special.
You are currently a Basic member, but to celebrate a year of existence, we’re offering our lowest rate ever to upgrade to a Newsletters+ membership and get access to members-only newsletters The Unaffiliated (Colorado politics) and The Outsider (everything outdoors by Jason Blevins). Click here, choose “Switch Plan” and use the discount code ONEYEAR to get this deal.
Your premium membership is already helping us grow, but if you’d like to show your support, visit our merch store for hats, shirts, stickers and more (all proceeds go directly to funding more journalism).
Walsh suspended his campaign, which began April 16, in video posted to his Facebook page and a message sent to supporters. He endorsed Hickenlooper as he left the race.
“I believe that Gov. Hickenlooper offers our clear, best opportunity to beat Cory Gardner and win back this seat,” Walsh said in the video.
Last week, former state Sen. Mike Johnston left the race, citing Hickenlooper’s campaign as his main reason.
Walsh’s departure from the contest leaves 10 Democrats vying for their party’s nomination.
His decision contradicts what he said just days earlier in an interview with The Colorado Sun. On Saturday, ahead of the candidate forum in Durango, he said he was not thinking about whether to drop out. Walsh said Hickenlooper lacks sufficient federal experience compared to his work as a U.S. attorney.
Hickenlooper “does not have that level of federal experience, the way federal agencies work, the way Congress works, cabinet secretaries and others work,” Walsh said of the former governor.
Hickenlooper abandoned his presidential ambitions and became a U.S. Senate contender in a week-long span in August, reshuffling the primary battle to try to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner next year.
Walsh vowed to stay involved in politics, even as he leaves the Senate contest.
“I’m not going to be going away,” he said. “… The future of our democracy is on the line. Failure is not an option. With all of us working together we will win.”
Hickenlooper, who lives in the same neighborhood as Walsh and considers him a friend, issued a statement praising his former rival and said he was honored to have his support.
Staff writer John Frank contributed to this report.