Q&A: Meet Colorado’s Democratic US Senate Candidates

The race for one of Colorado’s two U.S. Senate seats is heating up. With the June 30th primary fast approaching, current U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper is facing off against state Sen. Julie Gonzales. Both candidates bring considerable political experience to the table, with Hickenlooper serving his first term as a U.S. Senator after a stint as Colorado’s governor, and Gonzales representing Colorado’s 34th Senate district within Denver County during her second term.

Addressing Key Issues of the Western Slope

The Steamboat Pilot & Today presented the candidates with five critical questions concerning issues impacting Colorado’s Western Slope. These issues encompass affordability, immigration, water rights, and healthcare.

Question 1: Affordability in Rural Ski Towns

The first question dealt with the cost-of-living challenges in rural ski towns on Colorado’s Western Slope. Senator Gonzales stated that she would concentrate federal policies on housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and wages – factors that are driving workers out of mountain communities. She emphasized the importance of affordable housing that serves community needs rather than corporate investors’ profit margins.

On the other hand, Senator Hickenlooper acknowledged the “insane cost of housing” and assured that they fought to bring millions in federal funding for Colorado projects aimed at constructing more affordable housing and reducing costs. He referenced the most comprehensive housing bill in decades, which they passed to make housing more affordable and prevent Wall Street banks from dominating the market.

Question 2: Federal Immigration Enforcement

When asked about the role of Congress in federal immigration enforcement, Gonzales voiced her support to abolish ICE and stop funding the deportation process that allows corporations to profit. Her focus lies on creating a real pathway to citizenship, providing access to legal counsel, and ensuring respect and due process. Meanwhile, Hickenlooper advocates stopping ICE’s violence and lawlessness and proposes the need for a real pathway to citizenship. He also stressed the importance of protecting schools, hospitals, and polling places from immigration raids.

Question 3: Colorado River and Water Security

Addressing the water security issue in Colorado, both candidates offered strategies to ensure the residents maintain their existing water rights. Gonzales emphasized the importance of conservation, drought resilience, watershed restoration and planning for a hotter, drier future. Hickenlooper, highlighting his past efforts as a governor, pointed to his work securing billions in western water funding and leading legislation to improve snowmelt measures, support water conservation projects, and help secure resources for projects enhancing water efficiency.

Question 4: Healthcare and Medicaid

When asked about improving the U.S. healthcare system for Coloradans, Gonzales emphasized that healthcare should be a human right and expressed her intention to fight for Medicare for All and affordable healthcare. Hickenlooper, critical of the Trump administration’s policies, committed to restoring the cuts made by the administration and moving towards universal healthcare.

Question 5: Representing Rural Mountain Towns

Lastly, the candidates were asked about their approach to representing voters in rural mountain towns. Gonzales emphasized the importance of direct engagement with the communities and pledged to bring impacted communities to the table in policymaking. Hickenlooper assured his ongoing commitment to listening to rural Colorado and mentioned his efforts to secure resources for these communities.

The winner of the June 30 primary will face Republican candidate Sen. Mark Baisley in the November general election. Coloradans can check their voter registration status at GoVoteColorado.gov.