The hangover for Democrats after Hillary Clinton lost her presidential bid to Republican Donald Trump could turn into infighting next year in Colorado.

Two important things happened in Colorado as a result of Clinton’s loss-factors that haven’t been widely discussed.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper is likely sticking around for his remaining two years, and former Interior Secretary and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar, a Democrat, won’t be faced with assisting with a Clinton transition, or joining her cabinet.

The two elements could make for an interesting Democratic gubernatorial primary.

With two years left in his term, Hickenlooper was mentioned for a possible cabinet position in a Clinton administration. He also made the short list for vice presidential candidates, though he didn’t make the cut.

But with Trump claiming victory, Hickenlooper likely won’t be moving to Washington, D.C.

At a recent media availability, Hickenlooper called it a “relief” to no longer have to face the pressure of deciding between sticking out his term and joining a Clinton administration. While the governor said that he would consider a cabinet position if Trump asked him, he quickly laughed it off, pointing out that it would be unlikely for Trump to ask. (Hickenlooper was one of Trump’s most outspoken critics on the campaign trail, calling Trump a “narcissistic fraud.”)

While the governor seeing out his term isn’t the biggest deal in terms of strategy – as it would be an open seat in two years anyway-it does somewhat complicate the thinking of when and how to announce campaigns for Democrats seeking to replace him.

Republicans-also facing the potential of a crowded field – are likely to start making announcements in the spring. By end of winter 2013, some Republican candidates had already publicly expressed interest in replacing Hickenlooper in 2014, and by the spring of 2013, announcements were becoming formal.

Democrats may not want to formally announce too quickly for 2018, as they might not want to overshadow Hickenlooper’s remaining term with divisive party politics.

The biggest question for Democrats, however, is if Salazar will seek the office in 2018. Salazar has the name recognition and credentials to potentially clear the field, though several Democrats are still considering a run, even if Salazar announces his candidacy.

As chairman of the Clinton transition team, Salazar would have likely been asked to join the administration. Even if Salazar wasn’t interested, it’s common practice for transition team leaders to be considered for cabinet posts. Some rumors even swirled that Salazar would have been ripe for an ambassador position, perhaps to Cuba.

In Democratic circles, rumors swirled that if Salazar joined Clinton, then Democratic U.S. Rep Ed Perlmutter of Golden would have been encouraged to run for governor. Those close to Perlmutter say the congressman would only consider a run if Salazar declines.

Those close to Salazar acknowledge that he is considering a run for governor, but they point out that family dynamics might be the biggest factor. Salazar has had a long and successful career in politics, and so his inner circle says he might want to just hang up his trademark cowboy boots and hat to spend time with his wife in the San Luis Valley.

No matter what happens, Democrats will have to fight it out in the upcoming gubernatorial race.

The contest will come at the crossroads of an uncertain political future for Democrats. Many on the left are asking themselves what went wrong this year, “How could Clinton have lost to Trump?” Some wonder whether the party wouldn’t have been better off running progressive rabble-rouser Bernie Sanders, who won Colorado.

State Rep. Joe Salazar, D-Thornton, one of Sanders’ biggest supporters, said he would consider running for governor in 2018. That could open wounds that may have never healed following the presidential election.

Democrats saw a bitter and divisive primary between Sanders and Clinton, in which the values and platform of the Democratic Party was repeatedly challenged by party outsiders who supported Sanders and his “political revolution.” Joe Salazar running for governor could allow those battles to resurface.

And with Colorado voters this year opening the primary to unaffiliated voters, the entire dynamics and strategy of the race could change for Democrats. Party outsiders looking for an alternative candidate could make life difficult for establishment candidates, like Ken Salazar.

Another Democrat mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate is former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy, who recently stepped down as Denver’s chief financial officer and deputy mayor.

State Sen. Mike Johnston, D-Denver, also has been mentioned as a possible gubernatorial candidate.