In 2014, I ran for the Colorado House after spending 2013 helping design and pass the Colorado Voter Access & Modernization Act as state director for America Votes. I hoped HD-24 voters would want a public policy expert willing to fight for a progressive agenda to increase reproductive freedom, protect our environment and stand up for the rights of union members and workers across Colorado.
As I finish my last term as state senator for Jefferson County’s District 22, I have been reflecting on the work done over the last 12 legislative sessions. Above all, I want to thank the citizens of my district for their trust. Serving Jeffco in the legislature has been the greatest honor of my life. Over those 12 sessions, I put the populations of folks who are too often ignored at the center of my work . I wanted to elevate and empower the marginalized and the left behind. From giving them a voice, to protecting them from bad actors, to helping folks keep a bit more of their hard-earned money, I wanted to see a state government more willing to go to bat for seniors, the disabled community, hourly wage earners, teachers, and young people.
From cracking down on wage theft, to increasing oversight of assisted living centers, to opening government to disabled Coloradans, I have worked to put regular people ahead of powerful special interests.
I am proud to have worked with incredible colleagues and allies through the years to pass landmark legislation that is changing lives for the better: the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, Automatic Voter Registration, the Freedom to Marry Act, the Farmworker Bill of Rights, establishing the Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, Closing Gun Show Loopholes, Local Control of Minimum Wage, the Educator Pay Raise Fund, Protecting Seniors From Elder Abuse, among others.
In the 2026 session, I kept fighting for vulnerable Coloradans, passing Vulnerable Adult Financial Exploitation Banking (HB26-1110) and Disability Housing Protections (HB26-1045). Sadly, Gov. Polis once again vetoed my Worker Protection Act, a necessary reform of Colorado’s outdated 1940s-era anti-labor statute.
We also responded to the Trump administration’s attacks on our communities — strengthening protections for immigrants and the security of our elections. I also expanded access to affordable housing and cracked down on price gouging.
I am thrilled that my state representative, friend, and colleague — House Majority Leader Monica Duran — is running to be your next SD-22 senator. Rep. Duran’s leadership, values and dedication have lifted up our whole state, and she will continue that work in the Senate.
Thank you again for your trust, support and the opportunity to serve you in the legislature. It has been a true privilege. I remain committed to helping build a stronger, more equitable future for all Coloradans.
State Senator Jessie Danielson represents Colorado’s Senate District 22 in Jefferson County, which covers some or all of Wheat Ridge, Golden, Applewood, Edgewater and Lakewood.
