U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, D-C.O., has announced his retirement — after his second term.
Hickenlooper said that he will not seek a third term in office, and plans to retire after serving a potential second term that would end in 2032. The 72-year-old freshman senator announced his plan during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
“I’m only going to do two terms,” Hickenlooper told Punchbowl News. “I said it first here. Two-term limit. Oath of conscience.” His campaign has since confirmed this decision to multiple news outlets.
Hickenlooper, who previously served as mayor of Denver from 2003 to 2011 and governor of Colorado from 2011 to 2019, cited his long-held belief in term limits as the reason for his decision. “I wouldn’t be in politics if you didn’t have term limits,” he told FOX31.
The senator expressed his enthusiasm for his current role while acknowledging the need for new leadership. “I love this job, I love being in the mix, love the responsibility of trying to deal with the biggest problems and challenges facing this country and our state, but you shouldn’t do it forever,” Hickenlooper stated.
Highlighting the depth of talent within the Democratic Party, Hickenlooper mentioned rising stars such as Pete Buttigieg and John Shapiro. He also praised Colorado’s “deep bench” of Democratic players, including U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Brittany Pettersen, and Yadira Caraveo.
If re-elected in 2026, Hickenlooper would be 80 years old when his second term concludes in 2032. His decision comes amid ongoing discussions about age and term limits in Congress, with neither chamber currently imposing such restrictions.
Hickenlooper’s tenure in public office has been controversial. In 2020, he was fined $2,750 by an ethics commission for accepting gifts in the form of a private jet flight and a limousine ride.
More recently, watchdog groups have slammed him for a late financial disclosures of stock trades potentially worth over $1 million.
Hickenlooper says he remains focused on his current term and potential re-election bid.
“I think we’re doing a good job, but there’ll be a time to hang up the spurs and get back to a little slower life,” he said.
As the 2026 election approaches, all eyes will be on Colorado to see who might step up to fill Hickenlooper’s shoes in what promises to be a closely watched Senate race.