Republican abruptly abandons governor's race as he sets sights on Senate showdown

Republican Mark Baisley now running for U.S. Senate, drops bid for Colorado governor

by Lindsey Toomer, Colorado Newsline
January 5, 2026

Colorado state Sen. Mark Baisley is ditching his campaign for Colorado governor to run for U.S. Senate instead.

Baisley, a Woodland Park Republican, announced on a conservative podcast this week that he will challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper in November. He leaves behind a crowded GOP primary field for Colorado governor,...