2014 Midterm Elections: Could the Senate Get Its First Millennial?

Impact

On Monday, Colorado State Senator Owen Hill announced his bid for U.S. Senate. Hill is focused on bringing innovation to politics and public office. His website indicates his aspirations will likely be fruitful.

The 31-year-old candidate’s home page features a video in which he describes his involvement in Colorado. Hill first moved to Colorado to attend the Air Force Academy. He started a small business in Colorado, became very involved with the local community, and he and his wife are now raising four children there.

Hill has expressed concern that Colorado’s Republican Party cannot combat Democrats effectively. He says, “It’s time for some new ideas and for a candidate who will focus on innovation — both on policy and within our politics.” Hill aspires to be the person to innovate and “focus on the freedom of the individual.” If Hill wins the primary, he will face Senator Mark Udall in the general election.

Eli Stokols of FOX 31 Denver describes Hill as “a confident, fresh-faced conservative with a Christmas card-ready family, above-average abilities as a communicator, and a record that appeals to the GOP base and, perhaps, beyond.” In 2012, he won his State Senate election with over 70% of the vote.

On Tuesday, his home page even featured a link for visitors to engage in a tele-town hall with Owen. If this is any indication of how he will run his Senate race, and how he would lead in Congress, he will bring a lot of creativity and innovation to the table.

Younger members of Congress, including Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.), Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), and Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) all take innovative approaches to social media, digital interaction with constituents, and leadership. It seems as though Hill may follow in their tech-savvy and unconventional footsteps.