2024 Endorsements

As the current Representative 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.

As a dedicated teacher, Chicano advocate, and proud Northsider, Tim Hernández embodies the resilience and spirit of Denver’s diverse communities. Having navigated firsthand the challenges of poverty and displacement, Tim’s journey from Pueblo to Denver’s Northside fuels his commitment to championing equity and opportunity for all. From waiting tables to save for college to teaching at North High School, Tim’s experiences reflect the struggles and triumphs of working-class families. As a community leader and state representative for House District 4, Tim amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, advocating for progressive policies and standing in solidarity with youth movements for justice. With a deep-rooted passion for revolutionary love and grassroots activism, Tim is poised to continue his fight for justice, integrity, and opportunity as the relentless advocate Colorado deserves.

Elisabeth Epps, stands as a beacon of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment in her roles as a mother, community organizer, civil rights leader, and abolitionist. Hailing from the American South, Elisabeth’s journey is marked by both love and adversity, including the loss of her mother at a tender age and navigating single parenthood at 16. Despite enduring numerous challenges, such as housing insecurity and crippling student loan debt, Elisabeth’s dedication to justice and equity remains steadfast. As the founder and Executive Director of the Colorado Freedom Fund, she tirelessly works to dismantle wealth-based detention, advocating for legislative reform and providing direct support to those entangled in the criminal justice system. With a profound understanding of systemic injustices and firsthand experience with police violence and intimate partner violence, Elisabeth emerges as a powerful advocate poised to champion policies prioritizing the safety, freedom, and well-being of all Coloradans as she continues her principled, proven, and progressive leadership in House District 6.

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.

Manny Rutinel emerges as a steadfast advocate and attorney deeply rooted in working-class values, driven by a profound commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities for communities in Adams County. Raised by a single immigrant mother from the Dominican Republic, Manny’s upbringing instilled in him the resilience, perseverance, and compassion that define his approach to public service. He witnessed firsthand the injustices of choosing between rent and healthcare, igniting his determination to fight for economic and social justice. Inspired by the love and generosity of his Black and white grandparents, Manny learned the transformative power of community and neighborly care, guiding his path towards service. From his early days working multiple jobs to fund his education to his tenure as an economist and environmental attorney, Manny’s journey is a testament to grit, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to combating systemic inequities. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of environmental justice, Manny Rutinel is poised to continue his advocacy and progressive leadership in representing House District 32, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and uplifted in the halls of power.

With nearly two decades of dedicated service to Colorado communities, Lorena Garcia has been a tireless advocate, organizer, and policy innovator committed to fostering social justice and empowerment. Throughout her career in nonprofit leadership, Lorena has championed programs and policies that uplift the dignity and resilience of marginalized communities, both locally and internationally. As the Representative for House District 35, Lorena brings a community-driven approach to governance, prioritizing the voices and needs of those directly impacted by systemic inequalities. With a vision for inclusive economic opportunity, accessible education from early childhood onward, and a healthcare system that prioritizes public health over profit, Lorena has a deep commitment to building a state where every individual can thrive, regardless of background or circumstance. Grounded in her deep Colorado roots and personal experiences as a member of a large, diverse family, Lorena’s leadership is rooted in empathy, compassion, and a relentless dedication to creating a more just and equitable future for all.

Lifelong Aurora local, Bryan Lindstrom, has been a teacher for years in the city, so he knows firsthand the challenges facing families in his district. He also understands that he can’t teach his way out of injustices: that’s why Brian decided to run for House District 36 where he can more directly affect change for his community and students on issues such as raising the minimum wage, fighting for housing as a human right, and community safety regardless of age, race, religion, or immigration status. Bryan is an organizer, activist and vocal opponent of the growing inequality in his community. Brian believes addressing issues like food insecurity, housing instability, and mental health needs should be at the forefront of safety and security responses. Bryan’s past work and future vision of equality and justice mean that he will represent House District 36 for those whose voices are too often being erased.

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.

Yara Zokaie embodies the resilience and determination of a first-generation Iranian American, drawing strength from her immigrant upbringing and the bonds of community support. Raised in a small rural town, Yara learned early on the value of hard work and perseverance, juggling multiple jobs while excelling in law school and earning a master’s degree in taxation. As Chief Deputy Assessor for Larimer County, Yara’s commitment to family and equity is unwavering, as evidenced by her advocacy for paid family and sick leave and her dedication to addressing the challenges facing young families in Colorado. From founding the Latino Coalition to advocating for COVID relief for communities of color, Yara has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and fostering meaningful change at all levels of government. With a deep understanding of the struggles facing working-class families and communities of color, Yara is poised to bring inclusive leadership and genuine representation to House District 52, ensuring that the concerns of those most affected by systemic inequalities are not just heard but prioritized in the pursuit of a more equitable Colorado.

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.

Obi Ezeadi, a first-generation American, City Councilor, and dedicated community activist, brings a fervent commitment to grassroots progressivism in his campaign to represent Senate District 19. With a track record of impactful policymaking, Obi has championed initiatives ranging from ensuring safe drinking water to fostering economic growth and investing in vital services for seniors, youth, and those experiencing homelessness. Inspired by his mother’s journey and driven by a deep understanding of the challenges facing working families, Obi advocates for policies that prioritize affordable housing, childcare, healthcare, and energy, while empowering workers and small businesses. With a diverse professional background spanning multiple industries and a vision for a more equitable and sustainable future, Obi is ready and eager to elevate the voices of working families, champion economic justice, defend voting rights, and fight for healthcare access and environmental stewardship in the Colorado Senate.

Mike Weissman, a proud resident of North Aurora for over 17 years, brings a deeply rooted commitment to public service and community values to his campaign to represent Senate District 28. Inspired by the resilience and determination of his immigrant grandparents, who overcame adversity to create opportunities for their children, Mike embodies the belief that hard work and opportunity are fundamental to the American Dream. Drawing on his background in economics and law, Mike is dedicated to crafting policies that promote tax justice, expand access to affordable housing, fund education, and protect consumer rights. Mike’s journey reflects a steadfast dedication to serving the common good and ensuring that Colorado remains a place where opportunity thrives for all who seek it. With a focus on expanding opportunity and upholding core values of fairness and justice, Mike Weissman is ready to continue his principled leadership and advocacy in the Colorado Senate.