Cory Gardner

Cory Scott Gardner (born August 22, 1974) is an American politician who is the junior United States Senator from Colorado. He is a Republican and was previously the U.S. Representative for Colorado's 4th congressional district. Prior to that, he was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives.

Gardner announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in March 2014, quickly clearing the Republican primary field, and defeated Democratic incumbent Mark Udall in the November 2014 race.

Early life, education, and early political career

Gardner was born on August 22, 1974 in Yuma, Colorado, the son of Cindy L. (née Pagel) and John W. Gardner. His ancestry includes Irish, German, Austrian, and English. He graduated summa cum laude from Colorado State University with a B.A. in political science in 1997. In college, Gardner switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party and interned at the Colorado State Capitol. He went to law school at the University of Colorado to earn his Juris Doctor in 2001. Gardner served as General Counsel and Legislative Director for former U.S. Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado from 2002 to 2005.