2026 General Election Candidate Endorsements
The Rocky Mountain Equality Action Fund is proud to endorse candidates from across Colorado who are committed to fighting for our vision for a better future for LGBTQ+ Coloradans.
Make sure to vote by November 3rd, and to vote for candidates that will fight for dignity, equality, and freedom in Colorado.
Statewide and Federal offices
Our leaders in state government and in Washington set the agenda and are at the forefront of governing and decision making that impacts all Coloradans. Vote for these candidates who will fight for equality in every corner of our state:
Phil Weiser for Governor
“To LGBTQ youth in this state and beyond: you are valued, you are worthy, and your health and dignity matter.”
Jena Griswold for Attorney General
“Love wins when people have the courage to show up, speak out, and fight for a future where everyone can live freely and authentically.”
Amanda Gonzalez for Secretary of State
“No matter who you are, you should be able to show up and be valued as your full self.”
Manny Rutinel for Congress, District 8
“I’ll always stand with the LGBTQ+ community to protect their rights and ensure everyone can live with dignity and freedom.”
Colorado State Board of Education
The Colorado State Board of Education supervises public K-12 education across the state. Vote for these candidates who will fight for fair and affirming schools across Colorado:
Lisa Escárcega for Colorado State Board of Education District 1
“If our state and education systems are working toward equity it has to include all people. We have to be bold in supporting our LGBTQ students as we do all our students.”
Barb Clementi for Colorado State Board of Education District 3
“I will vote to support and maintain new and existing inclusive standards, and to support educators who work to teach inclusivity.”
Karla Esser for Colorado State Board of Education District 7
“I think we need to recognize who our families are, all our families. Our families of color, our LGBTQ families, all our families.”
Colorado Senate
The Colorado Senate passes laws that govern our state, giving them the power to shape LGBTQ+ lives through programs and policy. Vote for these LGBTQ+ champions in our state senate:
Janice Marchman for Colorado State Senate, District 15
“Be it access to youth-centered mental health care, or a welcoming school environment, I am committed to protecting the rights of all LGBTQ+ people from discrimination and threat of violence.”
Katie Wallace for Colorado State Senate, District 17
“While the Trump administration sows chaos and tries to erode our freedoms, I am prioritizing the environment, protecting Coloradans’ rights and civil liberties, regardless of gender identity or immigration status, and fighting for working-class Coloradans.”
Chela Garcia Irlando for Colorado State Senate, District 34
“I support strict enforcement and accountability for employers, landlords, public servants, and other actors who violate anti-discrimination laws or deny LGBTQ+ Coloradans their fundamental civil rights.”
Colorado House of Representatives
The Colorado House of Representatives likewise performs impactful statewide policymaking and advocacy. Vote for your local LGBTQ+ champions:
Gena Ozols for Colorado State House, District 3
“I am ready to take on the fights worth having on day one—because I’ve been fighting to dismantle inequitable systems my entire career.”
Monica VanBuskirk for Colorado State House, District 9
“Gender-affirming care is healthcare. It is evidence-based, it is life-saving, and it is not a bargaining chip. I will fight for our families to have access to this care as a champion, not just a supporter.”
Junie Joseph for Colorado State House, District 10
“I will continue to champion legislation that protects and affirms our LGBTQ+ community because without every member of our community, Colorado is not whole.”
Karen McCormick for Colorado State House, District 11
“I proudly have carried bills, signed into law, that make sure the LGBTQ+ members of our communities have protection of the rights that we all hold.”
Kyle Brown for Colorado State House, District 12
“I look forward to working with the LGBTQ+ community to identify how we can strengthen our laws and improve enforcement so that everyone can live as their true authentic selves at work and at home.”
Consuelo Redhorse for Colorado State House, District 13
“I believe that strong leaders encourage co-creation, shared responsibility, mutual respect, empathy and gratitude. They build bridges and do what is right, not what is easy or convenient, listen with curiosity and a willingness to learn, and understand the importance of equitable systems.”
Stephanie Vigil for Colorado State House, District 16
“The right to privacy and due process is paramount to freedom in America, and LGBTQ+ Coloradans deserve to live their own lives free of oppression by the state or targeted attacks of violence or discrimination.”
Jillaire McMillan for Colorado State House, District 19
“I’m grateful to live in a community and state that respects everyone’s choice to love and express themselves. I commit to be a legislator who will continue advocating for ALL voices!”
Alexis Hoffkling for Colorado State House, 23
“The fights for civil rights, acceptance, and belonging are not battles of the past that have been won, but ongoing struggles that must be advanced every day.”
Danielle Varda for Colorado State House, District 27 “Colorado should continue leading with laws that are strong, enforceable, and centered on dignity and safety for every community member.”
Lori Goldstein for Colorado State House, District 29
“We must remain vigilant as national political attacks increase. State law should be strong enough that the federal government cannot undermine the dignity, safety, and rights of LGBTQ+ Coloradans.”
Chris VanDijk for Colorado State House, District 32
“As a firefighter, I never ask someone who they love before saving them from a fire. My support for equal rights in housing, jobs, and healthcare comes from that same belief. Everyone deserves to be safe and treated with respect.”
Kenny Nguyen for Colorado State House, District 33
“I already and will continue to pledge my policy to be proactive in defending and protecting our LBGTQ+ community and making Colorado a place for everyone regardless of your race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation.”
Lesley Smith for Colorado State House, District 49
“I’m a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and I will stand up to any discrimination against them in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and healthcare.”
Jacki Marsh for Colorado State House, District 51
“We as a society have come a long way toward love and equality, but we have a long way to go. I am proud to be an ally who will continue that work!”
Andrew Boesenecker for Colorado State House, District 53
“Colorado must be a place where every person is treated with respect and fairness. The work continues to ensure that our great state is a welcoming, safe, and affirming place for LGBTQ+ people.”
Elizabeth Velasco for Colorado State House, District 57
“We must continue to update nondiscrimination protections, especially when we see the Federal government targeting our LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. We continue fighting for gender affirming care, access to abortion and reproductive rights as well as kids being able to be called by their chosen name in school.”
County Commissioner
County commissioners are in charge of overseeing public programs and setting forth policy direction that impacts thousands of residents. Adams County residents have the opportunity to elect an LGBTQ+ champion to this office this November:
Karen DeAguero for Adams County Commissioner: “Adams County thrives because of our diversity. Your voice matters, and your experience living in this community means you know what’s best for Adams County. Together, we’re making decisions now that will shape your family's future, and you belong at that table.”
