Colorado GOP Governor Race Upended as Mark Baisley Switches to U.S. Senate Bid
Colorado’s Republican primary for governor just experienced a major shake-up that could reshape the 2026 statewide political map. In the past week, one leading GOP contender left the race entirely while another abandoned the party to run as an independent, moves that heighten uncertainty for both parties ahead of the midterm elections.
State Sen. Mark Baisley, a Woodland Park Republican and one of the better-known GOP gubernatorial hopefuls, formally withdrew from the crowded governor’s contest and filed to run for U.S. Senate instead, according to multiple news reports. His decision opens up a relatively scarce statewide Republican bench as the party seeks a candidate to challenge Democratic Sen. John Hickenlooper in November.
At nearly the same time, former U.S. Rep. Greg Lopez another Republican governor candidate announced he was leaving the GOP to pursue the governor’s office as an unaffiliated candidate. Lopez said the two major parties “raise money better than they solve problems,” in explaining his shift.
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Lopez’s new status as an unaffiliated candidate eases ballot access requirements and could help him appeal to Colorado’s large bloc of independent voters.
“These changes reflect a volatile start to the 2026 cycle in Colorado,” said Jeff Colgan, a political analyst not involved in either campaign.
The Republican governor field still includes a mix of state legislators, sheriffs, podcasters and first-time candidates, while Democrats such as U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser vie for their party’s nomination.
With Colorado’s November election shaping up as a key statewide test for both parties, these shifts set the stage for a contested primary season followed by a uniquely crowded general election.
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