2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper Endorses Joe Biden

Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper Endorses Joe Biden

Today, former Colorado Governor and U.S. Senate Candidate John Hickenlooper announced his endorsement of Joe Biden for President of the United States, emphasizing Biden’s plan to shore up support for struggling small businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our small businesses, workers, and families are hurting. Joe Biden is the leader we need to fight for them, and that's why I'm supporting his campaign.”

Hickenlooper is former Colorado governor and Mayor of the City of Denver.

Biden for President has previously announced more than 2,500 endorsements from national, state, and local leaders, including current and former U.S. senators and representatives, governors, state elected officials, community leaders, and national security professionals.

Michael Bennet Statement on Hickenlooper Decision

Michael Bennet Statement on Hickenlooper Decision

DENVER — Michael Bennet today released the following statement:

"John was a great mayor and governor, and helped shape the presidential race with his pragmatic viewpoint. He provided a valuable voice in this primary, bringing the ideas and solutions he successfully championed in Colorado to the national debate."

John Hickenlooper Ends Presidential Campaign

HICKENLOOPER ENDS PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

"I will never stop believing that America can only move forward when we work together."

Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper ended his campaign for the Democratic nomination for President today, issuing the following videotaped statement: 

“A little over six months ago, I announced my run for President. In almost every aspect, this journey has been more exciting and more rewarding than I ever imagined. Although, of course, I did imagine a very different conclusion.

You know, the people I’ve met across this country take their responsibility to choose a President so seriously. In big groups and small, in living rooms and diners and backyards, people shared with me their deepest fears and highest hopes. They want solutions. They want this country moving forward. They’re sick of the chaos and dysfunction of Washington DC and I couldn’t agree with them more. I ran for President because this country is being ripped apart by politics and partisan games while our biggest problems go unsolved. 

Today, I’m ending my campaign for President. But I will never stop believing that America can only move forward when we work together. Don’t tell me that we can’t figure out how to lower prescription drug costs or tackle climate change. Don’t tell me we have to accept the number of gun deaths or the reduced job prospects of too many Americans. 

I know when people work hard enough to get past their differences, you can make amazing progress. That’s what we did in Colorado and I was so proud to travel the country and tell people that change IS possible when you work together. That’s how Colorado made sure ninety-four percent of our people have health coverage; that’s how we took on the NRA and now have universal background checks; that’s how we went from being 40th in job growth to the number one economy in the country. We worked together. 

I’m also proud of the campaign we ran. I want to thank each of you….The leaders across this country who supported this campaign…those of you who invested financially and the thousands more of you who made investments of your time and energy and ideas. Thank you all so much.... I will always be grateful to our incredible staff who worked their hearts out these last six months. You did great work against long odds. And of course, I have a wonderful circle of friends and colleagues, a remarkable son and an amazing wife. They mean the world to me.

People want to know what comes next for me. I’ve heard from so many Coloradans who want me to run for the United States Senate. They remind me how much is at stake for our country. And our state. I intend to give that some serious thought. I’ve been a geologist, a small businessman, a Mayor, a Governor and a candidate for President of the United States. At each step, I’ve always looked forward with hope. And I always will. Thank you."

 

John Hickenlooper Photos, Iowa Wing Ding, Clear Lake, Iowa, August 9, 2019 @IowaWingDing #IowaWingDing

John Hickenlooper to Make Multiple Stops Across Iowa, Including the Iowa State Fair and North Iowa Wing Ding on August 6-10, 2019 *Updated

HICKENLOOPER CONTINUES IOWA WINNEBAGO TOUR IN AUGUST
Hickenlooper to make multiple stops across Iowa, including the Iowa State Fair and North Iowa Wing Ding

DES MOINES, Iowa – Former Colorado Governor and Democratic Presidential Candidate John Hickenlooper will return to Iowa next week, continuing a statewide Winnebago tour. Hickenlooper will host campaign events in Ladora, the Quad Cities, Waterloo, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, and Storm Lake. He will also tour an ethanol plant in Dyersville, speak at the North Iowa Wing Ding in Clear Lake, and visit the Iowa State Fair.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

WHAT: Meet and Greet with Iowa County Democrats
WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 12:30 PM
WHERE: Caucus Bistro, 811 Pacific Street, Ladora, Iowa
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/107768/

WHAT: Meet and Greet with the Scott County Democrats
WHEN: Tuesday, August 6, 5:30 PM
WHERE: Barrelhouse, 211 E. 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/107816/

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7

WHAT: Hickenlooper Tours Ethanol Plant with Fmr. Lt. Gov. Patty Judge
WHEN: Wednesday, August 7, 11:45 AM Arrival, Open Press Tour Begins approx 12:00 PM
WHERE: Big River Resources, 3294 Vine Rd, Dyersville, IA

WHAT: Meet and Greet with Black Hawk County Democrats
WHEN: Wednesday, August 7, 5:30 PM
WHERE: Singlespeed Brewing, 325 Commercial Street, Waterloo, Iowa
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/107823/

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

WHAT: Meet and Greet with Pottawattamie County Democrats
WHEN: Thursday, August 8, 12:00 PM
WHERE: Barley’s Restaurant, 114 West Broadway, Council Bluffs, Iowa
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/107820/

WHAT: Hickenlooper Speaks to Woodbury County Democrats Truman Club Members
WHEN: Thursday, August 8, 6:00 PM
WHERE: 310 Virginia Street, Sioux City, Iowa
RSVP:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

WHAT: Meet and Greet with Buena Vista County Democrats
WHEN: Friday, August 9, 11:00 AM
WHERE: The Better Day Cafe, 518 Lake Ave., Storm Lake, Iowa
RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/107825/

WHAT: North Iowa Wing Ding
WHEN: Friday, August 9, 5:00 PM (Tentative speaking time: 6:40 PM)
WHERE: Surf Ballroom, 460 North Shore Blvd., Clear Lake, Iowa 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

WHAT: Hickenlooper Attends the Iowa State Fair
WHEN: Saturday, August 10

12:30 PM: Hickenlooper Arrives at Butter Cow, Agriculture Building
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Hickenlooper tours fairgrounds with FFA Member
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM: Hickenlooper serves beer at the Iowa Craft Beer Tent
3:00 – 3:20 PM: Hickenlooper speaks at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox
5:00 – 5:30 PM: Hickenlooper grills at Iowa Pork Tent

WHERE: Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA

 

John Hickenlooper Rides RAGBRAI, Launches Winnebago Tour, to Make Multiple Stops in Iowa from July 22-25, 2019 *Updated

HICKENLOOPER RIDES RAGBRAI, LAUNCHES IOWA WINNEBAGO TOUR *Updated
Hickenlooper to make multiple stops in Iowa from July 22 - 25 and in early August

**ADDITIONAL EVENTS AND UPDATED DETAILS AND LOCATIONS**

DENVER, CO — Former Colorado governor and Democratic presidential candidate John Hickenlooper will kick off a four day Winnebago tour across parts of Iowa and ride with his wife, Robin, in the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) from Norwalk to Indianola. Hickenlooper will host events in West Des Moines, Indianola, Albia, Grinnell, and Sigourney, and participate in events in Des Moines, Norwalk, Centerville, and Ottumwa with additional stops in early August. Details below, additional events and details will be announced in the coming days.
MONDAY, JULY 22

WHAT: Hickenlooper Launches Iowa Winnebago Tour
WHEN: Monday, July 22 at 6 PM CST
WHERE: Fox Brewing, 103 S 11th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/102998/

TUESDAY, JULY 23

WHAT: Hickenlooper Tours Des Moines Area Community College and Receives Winnebago Driving Tips from DMACC President
WHEN: Tuesday, July 23 at 9:30 AM CST
WHERE: Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny Campus, 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd. Bldg 22

WHAT: John and Robin Hickenlooper Ride RAGBRAI Between Norwalk and Indianola
WHEN: Tuesday, July 23 at 12 PM CST
WHERE: 305 Sycamore Dr., Norwalk, IA
https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/101766/

WHAT: Hickenlooper Attends Post-Ride Party
WHEN: Tuesday, July 23 at 4:00 PM CST
WHERE: Private Residence, Indianola; Location provided upon RSVP

WHAT: Hickenlooper Participates in RAGBRAI Post-Ride Evening Entertainment
WHEN: Tuesday, July 23 at 9:00 PM CST
WHERE: Simpson College Campus, Indianola; Location provided upon RSVP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

WHAT: Hickenlooper Hosts Grinnell Meet and Greet
WHEN: Wednesday, July 24 at 12:30 PM CT
WHERE: Saints Rest Coffee Shop, 917 Broad Street, Grinnell, IA, 50112
https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/103202/

WHAT: Hickenlooper Hosts Albia Meet and Greet
WHEN: Wednesday, July 24 at 3:00 PM CST
WHERE: Albia Brewing Company, 11 Benton Ave E, Albia, IA, 52531

WHAT: Hickenlooper Attends RAGBRAI Post-Ride Event
WHEN: Wednesday, July 24 at 6:00 PM CST
WHERE: Centerville Town Square, Centerville; Location provided upon RSVP

THURSDAY, JULY 25

WHAT: Hickenlooper Tours Community College
WHEN: Thursday, July 25 at 10:30 AM CST
WHERE: Indian Hills Community College, 525 Grandview Avenue, Ottumwa, IA 52501

WHAT: Hickenlooper Hosts Sigourney Meet and Greet
WHEN: Thursday, July 25 at 1:00 PM CST
WHERE: Sigourney Cafe, 619 E Jackson St, Sigourney, IA 52591
https://www.mobilize.us/hickenlooper2020/event/103204/

John Hickenlooper Campaign Hires Peter Cunningham as New Communications Director

John Hickenlooper Campaign Hires Peter Cunningham as New Communications Director

DENVER, CO — Today, the Presidential campaign of former Colorado governor John Hickenlooper announced the hiring of Chicago-based Peter Cunningham as the campaign’s communications director. Cunningham replaces Lauren Hitt, who recently departed from the campaign.

Campaign Manager M.E. Smith said, “Peter is a seasoned communications professional with a good handle on the message that will help us reach voters. He has already brought energy and ideas into the campaign.”

Cunningham said, “I am a big fan of Governor Hickenlooper. He is the only candidate to run a business, a city and a state, and has already done many of the things other Democratic candidates are proposing. His blend of pragmatic progressivism is the key to beating Donald Trump.”

Over the last three decades, Cunningham has worked for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, for political consultant David Axelrod, served in the Obama Administration as an Assistant Secretary of Education, founded a non-profit called Education Post focused on improving public education, and recently worked in Bill Daley’s campaign for Mayor of Chicago.

John Hickenlooper to Make Multiple Stops in New Hampshire on July 16-17, 2019 *Updated

Hickenlooper Returns to the Granite State, Ready to Rock *Updated
Hickenlooper will make multiple stops in New Hampshire July 16-17

UPDATED: Hickenlooper Returns to the Granite State, Ready to Rock
Hickenlooper will make multiple stops in New Hampshire July 16-17
**ADDITIONAL DETAILS ADDED AND UPDATED LOCATIONS**

DENVER, CO — Former Colorado governor and Democratic presidential candidate John Hickenlooper will host meet and greets in Hanover and Laconia. Details below.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Host Meet and Greet in Hanover
WHEN: Wednesday, July 17 at 1 PM ET
WHERE: Hanover Inn: 2 East Wheelock Street, Hanover, NH

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Host Meet and Greet in Laconia
WHEN: Wednesday, July 17 at 5 PM ET
WHERE: 58 Winter Street, Laconia, NH

 

John Hickenlooper Returns to Iowa Friday, July 12 to Monday, July 15, 2019

John Hickenlooper Returns to Iowa Friday, July 12 to Monday, July 15, 2019

DENVER, CO — Former Colorado governor and Democratic presidential candidate John Hickenlooper will host a meet and greets in Knoxville and Winterset and events in Ankeny, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines. Details below, additional events will be announced in the coming days.

FRIDAY, JULY 12

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Host Meet and Greet with Marion County Democrats
WHEN: Friday, July 12 at 6 PM CST
WHERE: Peace Tree Brewing, 107 W Main St, Knoxville, IA

SATURDAY, JULY 13

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Host Meet and Greet with Madison County Democrats
WHEN: Saturday, July 13 at 10 AM CST
WHERE: Northside Cafe, 61 E Jefferson St, Winterset, IA

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Speak at Ankeny Area Democrats BBQ
WHEN: Saturday, July 13 at 12:30 PM CST, Remarks at 1 PM CST
WHERE: Ankeny Market Pavilion (AMP), 715 W 1st St, Ankeny, IA

SUNDAY, JULY 14

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Speak at Senator Wahl’s Birthday Celebration
WHEN: Sunday, July 14 at 10:30 AM CT, Remarks at 11:40 AM
WHERE: The Walker Homestead, 3867 James Ave SW, Iowa City, IA

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Attend the 5th Annual Progress Iowa Cornfeed
WHEN: Sunday, July 14 at 12:30 PM, Speaking time TBD
WHERE: Newbo City Market: 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA

MONDAY, JULY 15

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Participate in Immigration Roundtable
WHEN: Monday, July 15 at 9:30 AM CT
WHERE: First Presbyterian Church, 902 S Walnut St, Mt. Pleasant, IA

WHAT: Hickenlooper to Speak at AARP Forum
WHEN: Monday, July 15 at 1:45 PM CST, Remarks at 2:30 PM CST
WHERE: Drake University, Olmsted Center, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, IA

John Hickenlooper Announces Campaign Manager M.E. Smith

JOHN HICKENLOOPER ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN MANAGER, M.E. SMITH

DENVER, CO - Today, former Colorado governor and Democratic presidential candidate John Hickenlooper named M.E. Smith as his campaign manager. Smith most recently served as the campaign manager for Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania. Smith led Casey’s campaign to a 13-point victory, the largest victory for a Democratic senator running in a state won by Trump. Previously, Smith served as the deputy campaign manager for Sen. Michael Bennet in 2016 and the deputy campaign manager for Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2014.

"M.E. has shown again and again that she knows how to lead successful campaigns in politically-difficult terrain," said Governor Hickenlooper. "With her extensive experience in political strategy, campaign management, and policy, I could not be more excited to have her leading the team."

Hailing from Idaho, Smith has an undergraduate degree from Tufts University and a graduate degree from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is a resident of Denver.

"It's been my privilege to work with Governor Hickenlooper closely over the years, and I'm honored to serve him in this new role," said M.E. Smith. "The Governor has a unique record of accomplishment. He's achieved the big progressive goals everyone else is just talking about -- beating the NRA, achieving near universal healthcare coverage, creating the number one economy in the country -- and he did it all without relying on massive expansions of government. I'm excited to be leading the talented team that's working to make sure we have a Washington outsider, an experienced executive, and a pragmatic progressive in the White House."