Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper is talking about ending his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination and challenging Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., in his re-election bid, according to Democrats familiar with the discussions. 

The New York Times reported Tuesday that Hickenlooper joined fellow presidential candidate Sen. Michael Bennett, D-Colo. for a car ride in Iowa, where they are both campaigning, to discuss the decision. 

According to sources, the two drove around Clear Lake for about 20 minutes before a Democratic fund-raiser drawing 21 presidential candidates, but their aides and advisers would not reveal what they had discussed. 

Hickenlooper's presidential campaign is lagging behind and he likely will not qualify for September's round of debates. 

His spokesman, Peter Cunningham, would not comment on the ex-governor's plans or the discussion with Bennet, nor would a Bennet aide. 

However, in recent days Democratic officials in Colorado and Washington have been sending indications they believe Hickenlooper would better serve in the Senate race, where a victory could help Democrats regain control of the chamber. 

The Denver Post published a poll Sunday it said was done for a "national Democratic group involved in Senate races," showing Hickenlooper has a 51-point lead over two other Democrats in the 2020 race. Monday, the 314 Action Fund super PAC announced its "Draft Hick for Senate" campaign, including a poll showing Hickenlooper ahead of Gardner by 13 percentage points.

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