The political trajectory of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock could be off course now that he’s admitted sending inappropriate texts to his security officer six years ago.

A Democrat, Hancock does not dispute the assertions against him by Denver Police Detective Leslie Branch-Wise.

He is said to be focused on a third term as Denver’s mayor next year, but Democratic insiders are sizing him up as a potential challenger to U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner in 2020 or a possibly gubernatorial run in 2022.

Denver 7’s Tony Kovaleski broke the story Tuesday night, joined by Jon Murray of the station’s media partner, the Denver Post.

Branch-Wise provided text from 2012 in which Hancock said he had trouble concentrating at work when she was around.

“You look sexy in all that black,” he texted after seeing her on TV at a Denver Nuggets game.

She called the mayor’s conduct “crushing,” and she sought a transfer away from his security detail.

“I just want people to know that I’m a woman, I have children and I’m a victim of sexual harassment,” Branch-Wise said. “It made me physically sick. It was extremely scary. And I dealt with it at that time the best way that I could.”

The same year she raised accused Wayne McDonald, one of the mayor’s aides, of harassment. He was fired, but the city paid out a total of $275,000 in settlements to Branch-Wise and McDonald, who alleged he was defamed and fired inappropriately, the Post reported.

Hancock said his texts did not amount to sexual harassment, but instead characterized it as “banter” to the Denver Post. He said there was no touching or other misconduct.

He said he realizes now that the texts were inappropriate.

“Detective Branch-Wise served with me probably eight or nine months,” he told Murray. “We became friends, and I blurred the lines between our friendship and being a boss.”

Hancock said of his texts were “too familiar, too casual. For that, I accept responsibility, and I apologize.”

He told the Post he wished he had known Branch-Wise was uncomfortable.

“Had I known that, I would have apologized then, and certainly would not have continued to have that kind of banter,” Hancock said.

The mayor issued a formal apology Tuesday night:

“Six years ago, Denver Police Detective Leslie Branch-Wise was a member of my security team. In May of 2012, she called me. She let me know she had requested a transfer out of the unit because a member of my staff had sexually harassed her.

I listened and what I heard greatly disturbed me. I apologized that this had happened. We reviewed the matter and took immediate action. The employee was fired within days.

While those facts have been public for years, I am here today to apologize for my own words from that time – text messages that were too familiar and unprofessional.

But let me be clear – my behavior did not involve sexual advances or inappropriate physical contact.

During Detective Branch-Wise’s time on the security team, we became friends, but my text messages in 2012 blurred the lines between being a friend and being a boss.

Unfortunately, I didn’t know until just a few days ago that she felt our text exchanges were unwelcome and contributed to the pain and disrespect she was already feeling. But it is obvious now that she did feel that way.

I sincerely apologize to Detective Branch-Wise. I apologize to my wife and family and to the people of Denver.

I trust that those who know me will recognize that this is not a full measure of my character – of who I am as a husband, a father, a son or the Mayor of this great city. I have learned from this mistake, and today I assure you that my words and actions will continue to support all women in the workplace.

I have the utmost respect for Detective Branch-Wise. She showed courage in 2012, and again by coming forward now. She is a valued and dedicated police officer who has served and continues to serve this city well.”