Colorado primaries viewed as crucial for 2026 elections. Hickenlooper's nomination odds at 89% YES.

Colorado primaries viewed as crucial for 2026 elections. Hickenlooper's nomination odds at 89% YES.

The incumbent overcame a bid from state Sen. Julie Gonzales, NBC News projects, after the challenger argued Democrats need a new generation of leadership.

Polling ahead of the primary showed Hickenlooper with a narrower-than-expected lead, but he was still regarded as the heavy favorite.