Incumbent Pueblo state senator won't seek reelection. What's next for Pueblo Democrats?
Colorado state Sen. Nick Hinrichsen will not seek reelection to a second full term in November.
Hinrichsen, a Democrat, was set to defend his State Senate District 3 seat from Republican challenger Dana Charles prior to his announcement at the Pueblo County Democrats' JAC-X-Pres meeting at the Eagleridge Event Center on June 5.
"Serving the constituents of SD-3 is an incredible privilege, and I'm proud of the work that my office, together with leaders across the state, has done over the last three and a half years to move Pueblo and Colorado forward," Hinrichsen said in a statement shared with the Chieftain." We've passed nation-leading measures to protect renters rights, and cut red tape around affordable housing development."
Hinrichsen's statement also celebrated the expansion of statewide "free fare" public transit programs, the creation of the Southern Colorado Institute of Transportation Technology, and measures ensuring "Colorado elections remain the safest in the country."
Appointed to his seat in February 2022 to replace Leroy Garcia, Hinrichsen narrowly defeated Stephen Varela in the November 2022 election to retain his seat. Serving as the Colorado General Assembly's Senate Majority Whip in 2025, Hinrichsen sponsored legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reforming municipal court charges, among other goals.
While writing that he will remain "deeply involved" in state issues, Hinrichsen said he will opt out of a 2025 reelection campaign in favor of spending more time with family.
"Legislative work, if done right, is hard," Hinrichsen said. "It takes you away from your family for extended periods at times, and it upends their daily lives in order to stay connected to others. This fall, my son will enter high school. At the end of the next term for SD-3, he will already be a graduate."
Hinrichsen continued that he and his wife, Bri Buentello, plan to spend 'as much time as possible' with their son during this transitional time.
As Democrats look for a candidate to run in Hinrichsen's place, the state senator said he will support whoever the party nominates.
"I'm excited because I know that there's no shortage of wonderful, qualified leaders in this community," Hinrichsen said during his June 5 announcement. "I'm excited for who will take this torch and run with it, and super excited to see what they do with it, because I'm positive that they will do great things."
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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo's Nick Hinrichsen drops out of Senate District 3 race
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