Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper John HickenlooperThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Cook Political Report shifts Colorado Senate race toward Democrat Willie Nelson playing at virtual fundraiser for Hickenlooper MORE (D) is considering ending his White House bid and pursuing a Senate run instead, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

Four Democratic sources familiar with his thinking told the outlet that the two-term governor is giving serious consideration to challenging Republican Sen. Cory Gardner Cory Scott GardnerBillionaire who donated to Trump in 2016 donates to Biden The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' Cook Political Report shifts Colorado Senate race toward Democrat MORE (Colo.), a move many have have called for in hopes of helping Democrats retake the Senate.

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Hickenlooper reportedly discussed the possibility with Sen. Michael Bennet Michael Farrand BennetOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency Next crisis, keep people working and give them raises MORE (D-Colo.), another 2020 candidate, during a drive before an event in Iowa.

Aides and advisers to the Colorado politicians declined to comment to the Times on what was discussed during the ride.

Hickenlooper's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Hill on his plans.

Colorado could play a key role in Democratic efforts to retake the Senate.

While there are already 11 declared candidates in the Democratic field, Hickenlooper would bring a high level of name recognition and popularity in Colorado.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer Chuck SchumerPelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' 3 reasons why Biden is misreading the politics of court packing Cruz blocks amended resolution honoring Ginsburg over language about her dying wish MORE (D-N.Y.) has reportedly been trying to recruit him to run for months.

Hickenlooper has struggled to establish a foothold in the presidential race, and is far from qualifying for the third and fourth Democratic primary debates this fall.