🚨 BREAKING FROM THE COOP

🐔 The Chickenlooper has decided not to face the barnyard.

In a dramatic turn in Colorado’s 2026 Senate primary, Senator John Hickenlooper has exited the Democratic caucus and assembly process, choosing instead to pursue ballot access through a paid signature campaign.

The move comes as momentum inside the caucus system has been shifting toward State Senator Julie Gonzales, who has been building strong support among grassroots delegates across the state.

Rather than compete in that process, Hickenlooper has opted to bypass it entirely.

Colorado’s Democratic caucus and assembly system is where:

• Community activists
• Volunteers
• Party delegates
• Local organizers

gather to determine which candidates earn a place on the primary ballot through grassroots support.

Candidates typically travel the state, meet delegates, and make their case directly to the people powering the party.

It’s a test of organization, enthusiasm, and grassroots credibility.

Instead of participating in that process, Hickenlooper is pursuing the petition route, which relies on collecting signatures through paid circulators.

That path is legal — but it avoids the internal vote of Democratic delegates entirely.

In other words:

🐣 Avoid the grassroots
🐣 Spend the money
🐣 Skip the accountability

Colorado Democrats deserve leaders willing to stand in front of voters — not run around them.