Linkhart will join James Mejia, executive director of the Denver Preschool Program, in the 2011 race for the seat. State Sen. Chris Romer hasn't formally declared, but is expected to run, as well as Councilman Michael Hancock and former state Sen. Penfield Tate.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper is currently running for governor.

Linkhart is currently councilman at large, and prior to his election in 2003, he spent eight years in the Colorado State Senate and two years in the state House of Representatives.

Linkhart has three teenagers and lives in East Park Hill.