Why am I Running?

I am running because I believe that we need more perspectives in our legislature. I want to be a part of making a better Colorado for my students, daughters, and community.

Our goal from day one has been to run a campaign that my daughters will be proud of. No stepping on people to get to the top, no big corporate money, and centering working people in our work.

I am excited to continue to be out in the community and to learn more from each of you about what we need in District 21. Please visit our Positions page to learn more about my platform and feel free to reach out with questions here.

A smiling family of three at Mount Blue Sky, holding a sign with the date 11/20, outdoors with rocks and other people in the background.
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I have watched the state that I grew up in loose the safety net that made my life today possible. I played on city sports teams, participated in arts programming from SCFD and local taxes and attended public schools from kindergarten through completing a Masters Degree in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. My education and childhood is a privilege that many do not have in District 21.

I owe so much of my success to fellow Coloradans from those that babysat me and drove me to practice to my own mother who taught me the value of hardwork and never giving up.

Growing Up In Colorado

A smiling man holding a yellow sign at a conference. The sign reads: '1stand with JESPA because... Every professional deserves Respect AND dignity!!!' and includes the name Alex Rykhmann, organization Apple to EA, and the hashtag #jeffcodobetter. The background shows other attendees and conference tables in a large, well-lit room.

Teaching is a monumental part of my story. I sit alongside my students new to our country and learn Spanish while they learn English. I show up and fight for teachers, school funding, and more supportive policy. I hide in classroom corners with students in active shooter drills, cry when students have died from suicide, and watch as my students have become increasingly afraid to come to school. I send my three year old daughter to public school because I believe in their importance to not only her education but our community.

Teaching

Two young men wearing white t-shirts with handwritten notes stand in front of a beige wall with a sign that reads 'The Wheel'.
Young man with dark hair taking a selfie in front of a mirror, wearing a blue collared shirt with a logo.
Three teenagers standing together inside a classroom with colorful posters and decorations on the wall behind them.

Connections

I have worked since I was 15: painting houses, working retail, selling everything from furniture to car parts, working in call center, participating in work study programs, and now teaching. I mentored other first generation students while I was finishing my degree. I've listened to countless families share their experiences. I respect the working people who live in district 21. It would be an honor to represent their voice.

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Close-up of a man with dark hair, a beard, wearing a headset, in an office setting.
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Support

I know what it's like to fill out paperwork for Medicaid, SNAP benefits, and dropping out of college because I couldn't afford it. I've had my paychecks garnished because I couldn't pay my student loans. I've had to work through repairing my credit so I could return to school. It doesn't have to be that difficult to get an education and pay your bills. It shouldn't be! And we don’t have to settle! I believe Coloradans can have the support they need when they need it the most.

Six people sitting in a row of seats in a theater or auditorium with ornate woodwork and railing behind them, smiling at the camera.
Two smiling people taking a selfie outdoors, with a crowd and bright sunlight in the background.
Four people sitting at a long table on a stage, with drinks and microphones in front of them, under a dark curtain background and an American flag.

Action

I am ready to jump in and work for lasting change for Coloradans. I have spent hours visiting our capital, pulling out my iPad to explain educational policy and funding to our senators and representatives. I have knocked on your doors when I believe something is important. I believe that our elections should be open and accessible to working people who are connected and have a pulse on the community. I am someone who is not a career politician, I am running because I am passionate and care. I am a proud member of a union and grateful that I have a negotiated agreement that will let me take leave during session to represent you!