Colorado

Colorado State Flag

According to the Almanac of American Politics, Colorado is "at the front edge of economic, cultural and political change." Unfortunately for progressives, the political change that's occurred since the 1990's has come in the form of right-wing politics — dominated by religious and social conservatives who have, in turn, soured the national political debate.

This is truly a state where we are at a stand off — one side wins and one side loses — and who wins can shape the electoral mood of the country.

Colorado Legislature
Senate
Democrats
Republicans
2006
18
 17
2008 20
15
Today 20 15
House
Democrats
Republicans
2006 35 30
2008
40
 25
Today 32 33

That's why Progressive Majority set up shop in Colorado — to bring true progressives into politics and create positive change that would last. We're recruiting progressive leaders to run for office who can also galvanize progressive voters who have been shut down by the loud voices of the ultra-conservative right.

Colorado remains a battleground state despite its vocal right-wing movement. Progressive Majority is tapping an emerging demographic that leans progressive, recruiting candidates they can connect to, and building a progressive power base that will take control of the state — and keep it.

Run For Office
You can do better than those conservatives in office. Run for office today! 
 
Important Dates
Go to the Colorado Secretary of State website to find out important dates and filing deadlines. 
Crisanta Duran

Colorado
State House - District 5
2010
Open Seat
Denver
http://duranforcolorado.com/

Crisanta Duran, 30, is a native of Colorado. After graduating from law school, she went to work for UFCW Local 7 as their counsel. In this role, she fought for better contracts for their union members across the state. She has served on the board of directors of La Rasa, Democrats Work, Voto Latino and on Progressive Majority's Colorado Advisory Council. She served as president of the Colorado Young Democrats and as an Obama Delegate. Her race will be decided in the primary election, however, it is important for Progressive Majority's goal of ensuring equal representation for people of color. The seat is being vacated by the incumbent who is term limited.
Pete Lee

Colorado
State House - District 18
2010
Open Seat
Colorado Springs
http://www.votepetelee.com/

Pete Lee has lived in Colorado Springs for over 34 years, and practiced law for 25 years, where he represented individuals and small business owners in commerical and real estate transactions. Pete has been active in the community, including serving on the boards of numerous community organizations. As a candidate, he is running to help fix Colorado's health care system and to strengthen environmental protections.
John Morse

Colorado
State Senate - District 11
2010
Incumbent
El Paso County

In 2006, John Morse ran and won in one of the most competitive State Senate districts in Colorado. He was the first Democrat to win in El Paso County since 1974. Now, he is running for re-election in a tougher environment. John has served as a police officer and as a Police Chief for nearly 20 years, worked four years as a CPA, worked as a paramedic in Denver, and ran a $3.3 million nonprofit organization that helps seniors age with dignity and remain independent. In the Legislature, John serves as Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee and a member of the Finance and the Health and Human Services Committees. He has fought for improved public pensions and increased investment in health care.
Dan Pabon

Colorado
State House - District 4
2010
Open Seat
Denver County
http://www.danpabon.com/

Dan Pabon is a former staffer at the Office of White House Counsel who is running for House of Representatives in District 4. Dan worked with President Obama's top advisors creating and drafting the President's first Executive Order on Ethics. While a student at Colorado University, Dan helped create a recruitment and retention program for at risk students. As a young lawyer, Dan worked in a legal aid clinic helping economically disadvantaged clients obtain child support, alimony, and social security benefits. Dan recently won a tough primary against two other accomplished progressives. Dan is an outstanding progressive champion and will be a leader in the Colorado House of Representatives for many years.
Gail Schwartz

Colorado
State Senate - District 5
2010
Incumbent
Alamosa, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Mineral, Pitkin, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties

Senator Gail Schwartz is running for re-election in the Colorado Senate District 5. Gail has lived in the Western Slope for 32 years. During that time, she has worked to serve the unique needs of the Western Slope in over a dozen nonprofit, government, and business organizations that focus on helping students graduate, providing rural health care services, and constructing affordable housing for working families. Prior to being elected to the Colorado Senate, Gail was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to be a member of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, and was elected by the voters of the 3rd Congressional District to serve as a member and Vice-Chair of the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Her current legislative focus is on re-energizing Colorado's economy by creating jobs and investing in the future of renewable energy.