Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper dropped out of the 2020 presidential race in a video released Thursday afternoon.
Politico was first to report Thursday morning about the expected withdrawal.
In the video, Hickenlooper acknowledged that he imagined a “very different conclusion” when he first announced his bid for the Democratic ticket six months ago and used the drop-out as an opportunity to spell out the sticking points of his platform.
“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,” he said.
Hickenlooper was rumored to be mulling a Senate bid in Colorado if he dropped out of the presidential campaign. The former governor addressed those prospects as well.
“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,” he said. “They remind me how much is at stake for our country. And our state. I intend to give that some serious thought.”
The news follows reports last month the the former governor’s campaign team was in disarray and his own top staffers were encouraging him to call it quits. Hickenlooper reportedly said at the time he wanted to give the campaign another month before bowing out.
