John Hickenlooper, who served two terms as Governor of Colorado, on Monday joined the Democratic race for the 2020 US presidential election, citing an ability to bring people together in a time of "crisis".
The 67-year-old's campaign said he will formally launch his campaign with a rally in Denver on Thursday before heading to Iowa, the first presidential nominating state. He joined a field of 13 other Democrats who earlier announced either White House bids or exploratory committees, the Washington Post reported.
They are: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Kirsten Gillibrand and Amy Klobuchar among others.
Governor Jay Inslee of Washington announced a run based on environmental concerns. Montana Governor Steve Bullock was also considering a run, as was the Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, according to the Post.
As Governor, Hickenlooper presided over steady economic growth, the legalization of marijuana - which he initially opposed - and a surge that put Democrats in full control of a once-conservative state.
"I'm running for President because we need dreamers in Washington, but we also need to get things done," Hickenlooper said in a video announcing his candidacy.
"I've proven again and again I can bring people together to produce the progressive change Washington has failed to deliver."
Hickenlooper was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and moved to Colorado to take a job as a geologist for a petroleum company.
After a layoff, he opened a brewpub in Denver that over time helped revitalize the city's then-distressed downtown. Colorado has become known for its microbreweries and craft beers.
In 2003, he was elected Mayor of Denver. He won re-election in 2007 and four years later was elected Governor.
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