Coloradans Elect Pro-equality Candidates in the General Election
As political attacks on marginalized communities continue across the country, Coloradans chose to elect candidates in federal, statewide, and local offices who support the LGBTQ+ community.
Colorado has elected numerous candidates who will put Colorado first and reject the policies being peddled by the federal government to hide their failures.
We have faith that our endorsed candidates who have been elected will fight for LGBTQ+ people and families, for immigrants, and for any group who is targeted by hateful and unnecessary policies and legislation.
Elected candidates endorsed by Rocky Mountain Equality Action Fund include:
“I’ll always stand with the LGBTQ+ community to protect their rights and ensure everyone can live with dignity and freedom.”
“To LGBTQ youth in this state and beyond: you are valued, you are worthy, and your health and dignity matter.”
“Love wins when people have the courage to show up, speak out, and fight for a future where everyone can live freely and authentically.”
“No matter who you are, you should be able to show up and be valued as your full self.”
“I think we need to recognize who our families are, all our families. Our families of color, our LGBTQ families, all our families.”
“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.”
“I will vote to support and maintain new and existing inclusive standards, and to support educators who work to teach inclusivity.”
More candidates endorsed by Rocky Mountain Equality Action Fund include:
Janice Marchman, 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, 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, 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.”
Gena Ozols, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, State House District 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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.”
Karen Deaguero, Adams County Commissioner District 4
“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.”
Still not called is the race for the State Board of Education seat in District 3. In this race, Barb Clementi was endorsed.
Also on the ballot were initiatives targeting transgender youth and their families and immigrant communities. Amendment 81, the measure that would have forced local law enforcement to coordinate with ICE, failed.
However, Propositions 134 and 135 passed by a narrow margin. These two measures target transgender youth and their families, restricting access to healthcare options and prohibiting trans youth from playing sports with their peers.
While we elected many pro-equality candidates and defeated a measure targeting our immigrant neighbors, voters were misled into accepting policies that unnecessarily and unfairly target trans youth and their families. Supporting the hateful priorities in Project 2025, these poorly written measures will cause confusion and harm for real kids, families, schools, and doctors.
We will continue to fight for every person’s freedom and privacy, and we will work with newly elected lawmakers to mitigate the harm these policies can do to Colorado kids.
