The Democratic Party stands at a crossroads, with party leaders nationwide and in Colorado searching for a path forward after Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s stunning victory Nov. 8 over Hillary Clinton.

Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator who galvanized supporters with his message of a “political revolution” despite Clinton taking the party’s presidential nomination in a hard-fought primary battle, did well in Colorado. He won the March 1 caucus and then took the majority of delegates at the state convention.

With Clinton losing the presidential race as the establishment candidate, some Democrats believe they should pick more of an outsider to represent them in races moving forward, especially at the state level.

“The problem with the establishment is they’re becoming more corporate Democrats, which is something that’s repulsive to a lot of Democrats in the party, as well as independents,” said state Rep. Joe Salazar of Thornton, an ardent Sanders supporter who is considering a run for governor.

“Any establishment Democrat that wants to run and has that corporate backing … they’re going to get it handed to. The writing is on the wall. We need a leader to rise to the top to heal the fracture that’s going on in the party.”

Former Interior Secretary and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar is a name that floats to the top of the list in Democratic circles as a possible gubernatorial candidate. He would represent the more establishment side of the party. He was a top Clinton surrogate, leading her transition team.

Ken Salazar and his inner-circle have been quiet about what the San Luis Valley Democrat’s intentions are, though many say he is first considering the impact a run would have on his family. Salazar has already had a long career in politics, so he might just want to retire, his friends say.

“He’d be a wonderful candidate,” said Cole Finegan , a high-profile Denver attorney and Democratic strategist who knows Salazar well.

“He just has to decide if that’s what he’s going to do. Knowing him, he will decide on his own time in his own way.”

Another name that keeps popping up is U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Golden, a strong campaigner who has the ability to bridge the party.

“I think he’s thinking about it, he’s trying to decide how he can best serve the state and what we need to do for the future of Colorado,” said state Rep.-elect Chris Kennedy, a Jefferson County Democrat who is close with Perlmutter.

“The biggest thing we need to take away from the election is that authenticity matters, and that’s a place where Ed Perlmutter is really strong,” Kennedy continued.

Those close to Perlmutter believe that much of his decision rests with what Ken Salazar decides to do.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper is term limited in 2018, which makes it an open nomination for Democrats to fight over.

Hickenlooper was widely considered a front-runner for a Cabinet position in a Clinton administration. He also made the short list for vice presidential candidates, though he didn’t make the cut.

Two days after the election, Hickenlooper told reporters it was a “relief” to no longer have to decide between finishing his term and joining a Clinton administration.

Democrats also will need to consider the field of Republican candidates in 2018.

Republicans, facing the potential of a crowded race of their own, could start making formal announcements as early as the spring. Top names being floated include state Treasurer Walker Stapleton and Arapahoe County District Attorney George Brauchler . Other names being discussed include Secretary of State Wayne Williams , Attorney General Cynthia Coffman and state Sen. Ray Scott of Grand Junction.

In addition to Joe Salazar, Ken Salazar and Perlmutter, Democrats also have been discussing former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy , who recently stepped down as Denver’s chief financial officer and deputy mayor, and state Sen. Mike Johnston of Denver, as possible gubernatorial candidates.

State Sen. Michael Merrifield of Colorado Springs hinted at a gubernatorial run at two gatherings of local Democrats on Saturday, one where he discussed upcoming legislation, and at a forum to discuss concerns about Trump’s plans as president.

Merrifield said he is “looking at options,” including a run for governor, after Trump’s victory.

Political analyst Eric Sondermann said the Democratic gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a “free-for-all.”

“You have these different lanes, these different preliminary heats, and who is going to emerge, I have no idea,” Sondermann said. “If Ken Salazar chooses to run, I don’t think he’s guaranteed the nomination by any means.”

Rachel Riley of the Colorado Springs Gazette contributed to this report.