2022 Endorsements

Originally from Dillon, Colorado, Julie McCluskie worked several years in hospitality and public education before taking on a role in the lieutenant governor’s office. Now, the Western Slope has the opportunity to re-elect an incumbent who has proven her passion to invest in our public school systems, maintain the area’s beautiful landscape and prioritize mental and behavioral health. Julie’s most recent mission has been to rebuild Colorado from the effects of the pandemic. During the 2021 session, Julie helped allocate millions of dollars to small businesses facing financial hardship. Through her leadership and work as Chair of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC), Julie helped reduce restrictions for Colorado students to obtain in-state college tuition, increase the immigrant legal defense fund and mitigate, protect and employ preparedness against wildfires across the state of Colorado. Julie also championed HB22-1289, to expand access to Medicaid and CHP to undocumented children and pregnant people, supporting the fight for health access across the state and for rural communities.

A proud Mexican-American, Monica Duran was inspired to lead others following her mother’s fight alongside Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta for workers’ rights. First representing the community of Wheat Ridge as a city council member and serving numerous organizations there, now completing her fourth year in the Colorado legislature for District 23, Monica truly follows in her mother’s footsteps to invoke change. As someone who has spoken openly about her survival from abuse, Monica has fought every day at the state level on behalf of victims of domestic violence. She intertwined both her fight against domestic abusers with her advocacy for firearm safety in HB22-1255, which requires all people under a protection order–filed because of a domestic violence issue–to declare to the court the number of guns and/or amount of ammunition they have and why they have it. Other issues Monica has put to the forefront of her work in the legislature include animal welfare and public education. Monica has proven to be a devoted representative of CO House District 23, and can sustain her goals in the legislature if reelected.

An attorney, community organizer and volunteer, Adrienne Benavidez has brought decades of experience and service to the role as representative of Colorado’s District 32. Adrienne has served as a steward for two federal government labor unions.Elected in 2016, Adrienne has put BIPOC, immigrant communities first. She championed a vital bill to protect the fundamental rights of immigrants in Colorado by passing HB19-1124 which put an end to unconstitutional ICE holds, prohibited probation officers from sharing information with ICE and mandated people be informed of their rights when receiving a request for an interview from ICE.Adrienne is the best person to continue to lead CO House District

The Colorado state legislature’s first African immigrant, Naquetta Ricks and her family escaped Liberia’s first civil war back in the 1980s and resettled here in Colorado. As an Aurora resident for 30 years, Naquetta has built a life with her family, graduating from Metro and Colorado University, then developing a small mortgage brokerage business. Naquetta’s personal journey has pushed her to become an advocate for education, healthcare and transportation.
As a first year legislator, she took on a major campaign by sponsoring and helping pass HB21-1194 to create a statewide Immigrant Legal Defense Fund grant program to ensure access to legal representation and due-process for Coloradans facing detention and removal proceedings. A member of the Business Affairs and Labor committee, Naquetta has been a major proponent of small businesses – specifically women and minority-owned – and diminishing the influence of major corporations into our local economy. Naquetta also helped pass HB21-1010, which directs the department of higher education and department of education to convene a workgroup on diversity in the educator workforce.
Running for a second term, Naquetta will bring knowledge and experience to CO House District 40.

Born and raised in Colorado, a first-generation American and daughter of Palestinian immigrants, Iman Jodeh has been a lifelong advocate for the immigrant community, with an extensive record of fighting for immigrant rights. Iman helped pass HB21-1150 which created the Colorado Office of New Americans, with the ultimate goal of increasing resources and avenues for the integration and welcoming of immigrants into our state and communities. Iman has expressed the ‘American Dream’ can only be achieved through equitable policies, adding refugees and immigrants must receive fair treatment in receiving public services and obtaining credit and access to capital, all without facing discrimination, harassment or abuse. Iman is a strong proponent of raising the minimum wage, strengthening the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, and prioritizing sustainability in every industry and sector of the workforce. On the health care front, Iman works to expand access to all, prioritize reproductive rights and support LGBTQ+ health, mental health and paid leave. Iman has served on the Appropriations and Public & Behavioral Health & Human services committees. Iman will continue to move CO House District 41 forward and create a more welcoming place for all in Colorado.

Daughter of an elementary school teacher and a farmer, Julie Gonzales has been pushing for progressive values and policies since 2003, when she volunteered on her first political campaign. With family ties to the state of Colorado and a love for Denver, Julie made the city her permanent home in 2008. Since then, Julie has built a reputation as a seasoned organizer, activist and legislator who has led the charge across progressive issues from housing access to economic justice and immigrant justice. 

First elected in 2018 to CO House District 34, Juile has been instrumental in the passage of countless pro-immigrant bills including SB21-131 that increased data privacy protections for state maintained data and databases. She also spearheaded HB20-1294, which changed crucial language within public service contracts–replacing the term ‘illegal alien’ with ‘unauthorized worker.’ Other issues Julie focuses on in her role as a legislator include public and modernized transportation, universal healthcare and our environment. The basis of these issues is structural equity, which Julie has a lengthy record in achieving and fighting for.

 As a legislator, Julie not only represents CO Senate District 34. She also represents the progressive movement sweeping Colorado and the country.

 

 

A first generation Mexican-American, a pediatrician and long-time public servant, Yadira Caraveo is a role model of CIRC Action Fund’s mission and vision and inherently the best person to serve as congresswoman for Colorado’s new U.S. Congressional District 8. Yadira is building upon her experience in representing Colorado House District 31 to create better policies for families, lower health care costs, increase access to affordable housing, combat climate change, secure abortion rights and uphold our nation’s voting rights. In her future at the U.S. capitol, Yadira plans to continue to pass legislation with a focus on Black and Indigenous persons of color. This demographic focus is key in leading a congressional district that hosts the biggest Latinx/Latine population in the state of Colorado.

 

A vote for Yadira means setting a good precedent in the 8th Congressional District and Congress will also gain necessary representation from a historically underrepresented population.

 

 

 

A long time public servant, school psychologist and activist, Mary Young has remained sharp on issues that affect our most vulnerable communities. As a behavioral health expert, one of Mary’s primary focuses during her time served in office has been to increase access and quality of mental and behavioral health care, especially in our public school systems, and she points to mental health care as a major contributor to school safety. Supporting a family member with intellectual disabilities, she has become a champion for persons with medical challenges. Mary has proven her mission to put Colorado communities’ needs first and uplift democratic values. She ensures to reach the people before taking action in the state legislature. 
On top of her extensive tenure in public service, Mary Young brings compassion and understanding to the position, making her the best choice for House District 50.

David Ortiz says his childhood was focused on helping his community. That foundation has led him to his position as a public servant. His work is based on the value of equity of opportunities for all. A U.S. Army veteran and purple heart recipient, David has prioritized veteran’s needs at the state capitol by expanding health care access to veterans and current soldiers.

David is also a champion for Coloradans with disabilities by ensuring state resources are accessible to all Coloradans. More specifically, HB21-1110 adds language to strengthen current Colorado law related to protections against discrimination on the basis of ability. David has spearheaded other legislative efforts including a push for better public safety in HB21-1106 which requires gun owners to securely store their firearms. Additionally, during his time serving on the health and insurance committee, David sponsored HB21-1169, which prohibits discrimination against organ transplants to persons with disabilities.

Vote for David to continue the progressive momentum in House District 38.

A former Colorado Springs Battalion Fire Chief and well-known community leader, Tony is currently a state house representative running for Colorado state senate to represent District 11. A champion for public education, Tony has sponsored key legislation including HB22-1243, which creates a cash fund appropriating millions to three programs related to school safety and behavioral mental health: the School Security Disbursement Program, the Temporary Youth Mental Health Services Program, and the Behavioral Health Care Professional Matching Grant Program.

Tony advocates for our local veterans, senior citizens and working families to build stronger communities. He currently serves on the education, transportation & local government and legislative committees in the house. On the conservation front, Tony won the Colorado Sierra Club’s Clean Water Award in 2019 for legislation regarding toxic PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams. And during his runs for re-election, Tony has earned the endorsement and support of the Colorado Sierra Club and Conservation Colorado, among other environmental protection groups.

Tony is a seasoned legislator, who will bring experience and dedication to state senate District 11.

A potential newcomer to the house of representatives, Regina is no stranger to public service. Well known in the nonprofit sector, Regina founded and presided over three local organizations. Now, she aims to fill the District 17 seat, serving the Colorado Springs area. Regina currently serves as the vice president and treasurer of the Harrison School District 2 Board of Education, a position in which she has helped implement free before and after school care for all K-5 students and increase staff retention by 125%.

If elected, Regina plans to tackle affordable housing issues by providing reasonable development and building incentives, reviewing and revising zoning ordinances and encouraging public-private partnerships dedicated to increasing the number of affordable units. Regina is also prioritizing economic growth in the Colorado Springs community. She plans to work closely with other legislators and community members to increase the number of jobs locally.

Regina will bring new ideas and innovation in the state legislature representing House District 17.

Michael Bennet has represented Colorado in the United States Senate since 2009. Recognized as a pragmatic and independent thinker, he is driven by an obligation to create more opportunity for the next generation by addressing issues including gaps in education, climate change, immigration, health care, and national security. Before serving in the Senate, Michael worked to restructure failing businesses and helped create the world’s largest movie theater chain. As superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, he led one of the most extensive reform efforts in the country, resulting in substantial, sustained academic improvement for the city’s students.

Michael’s voting record reaches across the board. He’s passed legislation to close the digital divide in rural communities and bring high-speed internet to tens of thousands of Coloradans who currently lack access. He’s signed off on bills to repair roads and bridges and improve public transportation on the Western Slope. He fights to support farmers and ranchers facing an unprecedented drought and build resilient supply chains. As housing costs rise, Michael has passed measures to improve and build affordable housing for our rural and mountain communities. Finally, Michael passed the Postal Reform Act which will save nearly $50 billion over the next 10 years while supporting more reliable delivery and service in Colorado’s mountain and rural communities.

Additionally, Michael says he will continue to work for immigrant rights at the federal level if re-elected as United States senator.

Originally from Wyoming, Jenny Willford was raised in a working-class household with her parents both working in the local school system.
Now a proud Colorado resident, Jenny has served on the Northglenn city council for five years, and seeks to fill the District 34 seat in the Colorado House.

Jenny’s extensive background in environmentalism is a force needed in the battle against climate change. She started her career working under the Wyoming Energy Council and she currently works for the Colorado Sierra Club, a highly prestigious climate action organization. Jenny hopes to make renewable resources the heaviest hitters in the energy industry. She believes those green practices are not only beneficial to our planet at-large but also the tight-knit community bubbles in which we live. Those practices are also necessary to create job growth and boost our state and local economies. Another issue on the forefront of Jenny’s campaign is reproductive health. Jenny is upfront in position as a pro-choice candidate. She aims to protect people and their reproductive rights.

If elected, Jenny also plans to prioritize senior citizens, teachers, cost of living and gun control policies at the state capitol. She will spearhead key progressive legislation if elected as state representative for District 34.

Rooted in the Western Slope of Colorado, Elizabeth Velasco is a proud daughter of first generation immigrants, a business owner and public information officer for the forest service. Elizabeth comes into her candidacy for House District 57 with experience in the service and healthcare industries and years of public service for several local entities.

Elizabeth’s top pillars in her first election are community resiliency under the woes of climate change, wrap-around services for families, rural infrastructure and health care access. Her work for the forest service has acted as her foundation for her campaign conservation efforts and knowledge in environmentalism. She plans to address conservation and water infrastructure, focus on wildland fire prevention, improve emergency communications and build resilience against Colorado’s incessant drought issues.Elizabeth is also a champion for immigrants and small business owners, with a passion for uplifting our BIPOC communities, especially in our local economies.

Elizabeth is an ideal first-time candidate to be endorsed by CIRC Action Fund. She truly understands the struggle of marginalized communities while simultaneously exhibiting a diverse skill set to be the next House 57 representative.

Like many hard working Coloradoans, Kyle Mullica is familiar with the financial disparities that plague our communities despite being employed. Growing up in poverty and experiencing homelessness as a child, Kyle was motivated to continue to improve his life and his family’s and ensure others will not experience similar hardships. Currently a two-term democratic state representative, Kyle is now running for State Senate to represent District 24
He first discovered a desire to help people while working for several organizations focused on homelessness then followed his passion to serve others by entering the healthcare industry as a trauma nurse. As a testament to his commitment to public service, Kyle ran for Northglenn City Council and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his fellow neighbors by initiating legislation that has kept his community safe and advocated for the working class. Kyle values the effort of working, middle-class families, and he is committed to building their economic power. He is focused on expanding affordable housing access and securing workers rights and protections. Kyle has also promised to prioritize immigration and stand by Colorado’s “Dreamers.”

Vote for Kyle Mullica. He’s a true champion for healthcare reform, education, reproductive rights and an ally against systemic racism.

Raised in southern Colorado, Leslie Summey has a long history of political service: starting as a ballot runner when she was only a child, Leslie later served in the United States Navy Band in Washington, DC. Now, she runs for Arapahoe County Commission in District 4. Growing up, Leslie says, she had a “front row seat” to the electoral process by watching her mother work for El Paso County’s Election Division. Her father, also a veteran, dedicated his life to improving the lives of those in marginalized communities. Her parents instilled in her strong core values that she has implemented in her own life and the foundation of her campaign.

As a mother and small business owner, Leslie is an advocate for mental health care, women and LGBTQ rights, veteran issues and the fight against homelessness. As a Black woman, Leslie was no stranger to society’s inequities. Those experiences now motivate her to run for office. Leslie seeks to create positive changes in her community for those whose roots run deep in Arapahoe County and for those who have recently just arrived. Leslie truly embodies the shared values of Arapahoe County.

If elected, Leslie will bring energy and persistence to the county of Arapahoe.Vote for Leslie Summey as Arapahoe County Commission District 4.

As the candidate for Colorado’s House District 1, an activist and eviction attorney, Javier Mabrey has proven his commitment to economic justice, affordable housing, racial justice and universal health care.

First inspired by the Obama campaign’s plan for universal education and Social Security benefits, Javier began his fight for social justice. He first worked as a community organizer, primarily advocating for immigration reform and proposed additional funding for Colorado public schools. His value in education led him to pursue a career in legal defense. Growing up, Javier and his family experienced housing instability and homelessness due to a lack of government investment. Javier’s mother was unable to afford the cost of living, receiving only disability payments as her sole source of income. Javier is also a co-founder of the Eviction Legal Defense Fund in support of tenants’ rights and affordable housing.The organization represents low-income tenants and provides people with information and housing resources.

Javier shares our progressive values and vision for Colorado. He’s the best choice for District 1.

With a passion to invoke real change, Lisa Cutter is proud to represent people along the Front Range. A long-time business owner and expert in public relations, Lisa has gracefully juggled a full-time job, public service and her role as a devoted mom. A trailblazer in her current position, Lisa became the first Democrat in state history to represent House District 25 and has now officially served two terms as state legislator there.

Her move to run for Colorado State Senate District 20 is the next stepping stone in her journey to bring more progressive values to her community. Under new district lines, Lisa plans to focus on issues including wildfire mitigation and prevention, mental and behavioral health systems and information access expansion to strengthen our democracy.

During a time of chronic uncertainty, Lisa continues to trust her mission of community collaboration and civil discourse to ensure her goals are met.

Eliza Hamrick has devoted 32 years to teaching history and government within Cherry Creek School District. Now an award-winning educator, Eliza plans to apply decades of experience in organizing community events focused on pro-public education state legislative CCSD’S Board of Education candidates to her own work as a state legislator in District 61. Her passion for public education has presented incredible opportunities to share her expertise internationally. In her travels, Lisa has mentored teachers and taught students across the globe about theFirst Amendment in the U.S. Bill of Rights and the concepts of democracy.

Lisa has also tied her work in education to the immigrant rights movement; Lisa is a founding member of Teachers United for Immigrant Rights, which conducts and advocates for immigrant students and families and provides crucial “Know Your Rights” trainings. Eliza has proved she remains civic minded as an active volunteer for CIRC and a frequent guest at the state capitol to testify on behalf of her students, teachers and community members. Eliza’s mission is to provide equitable education to all Colorado families.

Eliza hopes to continue her efforts in creating change and building community serving as Colorado State Representative in House District 61.

Rhonda Solis plans to translate 30 years of community outreach and management in Greeley to the position of Colorado state school board member in Congressional District 8. A graduate and parent within the Greeley School District, Rhonda served as the only Latina on the Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education for two full terms. Rhonda has also served as the Greeley chapter co-chair of the Latino Coalition of Weld County. She plans to tear down obstacles of inequity and access by proposing personal learning plans, community building in schools and trainings centered on students’ individual cultures and heritages.

If elected, Rhonda plans to focus on wellness and innovation in public schools, and she intends to advocate for students, families and businesses at the state level. She believes teachers and students deserve better investment and plans to prioritize her motivation in providing a quality public education system for the future of Colorado.

Rhonda Solis’s expertise is desperately needed on the Colorado State Board of Education.

Phil Weiser’s family story is of one survival against the purest form of persecution and hate. Phil’s grandparents were forced to flee their home country to escape the grips of the Holocaust, and keeps this story in mind as he represents Colorado as its attorney general.
Phil’s message this election is his commitment to being “the People’s Lawyer.” His three-year record as attorney general in defending critical rulings including the existence of the DACA and Affordable Care Act prove his judgment is steered by social justice and community service.

A graduate of New York Law School, Phil served as a law clerk for Justices Byron R. Whie and Ruth Bader Ginsberg at the United States Supreme Court then Judge David Ebel at the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. He’s currently the Dean of the University of Colorado Law School and founder of the Silicon Flatirons Center.

Phil is the right choice for attorney general to defend our most underserved and underrepresented communities in Colorado.

As a Haitian immigrant Junie has lived through many of the hardships experienced by members of the community and is committed to the plight of all people . Throughout her political career as a Boulder City Council Member, she has advocated for worker’s rights, bilingual accessibility and a criminal justice reform and has a long history of advocating for equity and social justice. Junie is now running for Representative in State House District 10.

Junie is tenacious and well qualified to be the kind of leader to provide ethical solutions for her community. Junie’s life experiences give her a first-person understanding of what it means to be an immigrant, woman of color, small business owner, breaking the mold in political spaces. As Representative in State House District 10, Junie will use her life experience as a manual to create policies that will serve Boulder and the state of Colorado. She has experience working for the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, for the U.S. Agency for International Development in the Ivory Coast and served as a White House intern in the Obama administration.

Junie is dedicated to fighting for social, political, and economic equity.

Stephanie Vigil is open about her continued battle against the long-term effects of childhood abuse and poverty, and she’s built a background in activism and community organizing to counteract those harmful patterns and systems that affect many of our state and country’s households.

Stephanie understands the intersectionality between racism, poverty and prevalent issues including a lack of healthcare access, transportation or affordable housing, safety risks from climate change and inequities in education.In her work as a housing ambassador for a local nonprofit, Stephanie developed a list of resources including transitional housing and shelters and charity-based assistance. She plans to sponsor legislation that promotes better relationships between landlords and tenants and fair leasing and dispute resolutions. She also proposes better public transportation across Colorado, including the development of a rail system along the Front Range. Additionally, Stephanie is focusing on securing voting rights and tamp down the harmful effects of the “Big Lie” that Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

Stephanie embodies the grassroots energy that is needed to flip the House District 16 seat.

Having served District 22 as state senator since 2016, Brittany Pettersen hopes to represent Colorado on the national stage in the U.S. 7th Congressional District.

Born and raised in Colorado, Brittany overcame major obstacles as her mother struggled with addiction, brought on by doctor prescribed opioids. Brittany later sponsored legislation to counteract the effects of the health crisis, including SB18-022 which limits the amount of opioid pills physicians and other health care providers can prescribe within the first 7-day supply. Brittany is well-rounded in her values and goals set for Congress. She cares deeply about gun reform, reproductive rights, adapting to and counteracting the effects of climate change and protecting vulnerable communities, especially senior citizens.

Brittany is well-equipped and prepared to serve Colorado as our next congresswoman in U.S. 7th Congressional district.

Tisha Mauro fights to flip House District 46 from potentially harmful rhetoric and policies in Pueblo. Originally from Pueblo, Tisha’s family has deep ties in the community, and Tisha herself has been politically active there since she was a child.

Tisha is upfront about her stance on gun control. In 2012, Tisha’s son was in the Aurora movie theatre where 12 innocent people were murdered. Tisha is also a major advocate for people’s ability to choose. She was on the streets immediately after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was released.

Tisha knows how to build community power on the ground, but she needs your support to gain traction in District 46 and become Pueblo’s next representative.

An incumbent in the state senate, Nick Hinrichsen hopes to continue his work as state senator for District 3. Following Leroy Garcia’s resignation and subsequently Nick’s election to the position in early 2022, Nick most recently served as the City of Pueblo’s Transit Operation Supervisor. In that role, he developed the first public transit agency-wide pandemic response plan in Colorado to reduce virus transmission within public transit facilities and buses.

An army veteran, Nick says he will also prioritize veteran affairs in his legislative work. Additionally, he is focused on these key issues this election cycle: infrastructure and economic development, education and healthcare. More specifically, Nick plans to strengthen the Colorado Economic Opportunity Zone program, which incentivizes business investment in areas with high levels of poverty and unemployment, finish connecting Pueblo to the Southwest Chief and build a high speed front range passenger rail network from Pueblo to Greeley. On the education front, Nick hopes to create a “driven to succeed program” to ensure every student in a high truancy district has transportation access to their school Support Medicare and Medicaid dependent hospitals.

Now seeking his first full term, Nick has potential to strengthen Pueblo on several fronts. Vote Nick for House District 3.

Brianna Titone seeks to connect pragmatism and science to community service as the incumbent for House District 27. Originally from the Hudson Valley region of New York, Brianna has been proud to call Arvada, Colorado home for 13 years.

As a geologist, former substitute teacher and firefighter, Brianna has based her career in finding answers and helping others. She currently serves on the Health & Insurance Committee, Joint Technology Committee, Agriculture, Livestock & Water Committee and Energy & Environment Committee in the House. She cares deeply about finding solutions in our country’s energy crisis and she’s introduced legislation that better supports education. As Colorado’s first openly-trans legislator, Brianna is currently a member of the Jefferson County Dems LGBTQ+ group and she fights to make Colorado more inclusive.

Brianna works to reach and connect with constituents who may otherwise not have a voice at the state capitol, and she’ll continue to elevate those historically silenced voices if reelected.