House District 30
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Welcome to the Colorado Progressive Voters Guide! The Progressive Voters Guide compiles the information that allows you to make informed decisions about the races on your ballot, based on your values. Please share this guide with your friends and family!
District Races
Depending on where you live, you may have the following district races on your ballot.
City of Lakewood, Ward #1
Jeslin Shahrezaei is running unopposed for the Ward 1 seat of the Lakewood City Council. As a non-profit professional, Shahrezaei is familiar with community centered advocacy and financial problem solving. Shahrezaei aims to lead with love in taking on issues from public safety and economic development to climate action and protecting open spaces. Even though she is unopposed, there is no doubt that PNC can support Shahrezaei as the progressive choice for Lakewood's Ward 1.
Jeslin Shahrezaei is running unopposed for the Ward 1 seat of the Lakewood City Council. As a non-profit professional, Shahrezaei is familiar with community centered advocacy and financial problem solving. Shahrezaei aims to lead with love in taking on issues from public safety and economic development to climate action and protecting open spaces. Even though she is unopposed, there is no doubt that PNC can support Shahrezaei as the progressive choice for Lakewood's Ward 1.
Jeslin Shahrezaei is running unopposed for the Ward 1 seat of the Lakewood City Council. As a non-profit professional, Shahrezaei is familiar with community centered advocacy and financial problem solving. Shahrezaei aims to lead with love in taking on issues from public safety and economic development to climate action and protecting open spaces. Even though she is unopposed, there is no doubt that PNC can support Shahrezaei as the progressive choice for Lakewood's Ward 1.
City of Lakewood, Ward #2
Liz Black is running unopposed for the Ward 2 seat on the Lakewood City Council. Black is an involved community member– serving on The Athena Project Board of Directors, the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) Advocacy & Policy Committee, the Immersive Denver work group. Black looks forward to supporting her community by fostering connection and vitality, supporting affordable housing, and developing climate resilience. Despite being the only candidate, Ward 2 can count on Liz Black as the progressive choice for Lakewood City Council.
Liz Black is running unopposed for the Ward 2 seat on the Lakewood City Council. Black is an involved community member– serving on The Athena Project Board of Directors, the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) Advocacy & Policy Committee, the Immersive Denver work group. Black looks forward to supporting her community by fostering connection and vitality, supporting affordable housing, and developing climate resilience. Despite being the only candidate, Ward 2 can count on Liz Black as the progressive choice for Lakewood City Council.
Liz Black is running unopposed for the Ward 2 seat on the Lakewood City Council. Black is an involved community member– serving on The Athena Project Board of Directors, the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) Advocacy & Policy Committee, the Immersive Denver work group. Black looks forward to supporting her community by fostering connection and vitality, supporting affordable housing, and developing climate resilience. Despite being the only candidate, Ward 2 can count on Liz Black as the progressive choice for Lakewood City Council.
City of Lakewood, Ward #3
Ken Cruz is running for council member of Lakewood City Council Ward 3. Cruz was assigned this role previously as a part of a special election in March 2025. He has successfully set up round tables and advisory committees for some of Lakewood's most pressing issues like homelessness and small business. Cruz wishes to continue to bring a lens of sustainability, equity, and affordability to city council. He is dedicated to working on responsible growth, a successful economy, climate action, and youth engagement.
Opposing Cruz are Bonnie Nguyen and Pete Roybal. Either candidate has admirable qualities though PNC identifies Cruz as the best and most progressive choice for Lakewood Ward 3 given his outstanding previous experience in this role.
Ken Cruz is running for council member of Lakewood City Council Ward 3. Cruz was assigned this role previously as a part of a special election in March 2025. He has successfully set up round tables and advisory committees for some of Lakewood's most pressing issues like homelessness and small business. Cruz wishes to continue to bring a lens of sustainability, equity, and affordability to city council. He is dedicated to working on responsible growth, a successful economy, climate action, and youth engagement.
Opposing Cruz are Bonnie Nguyen and Pete Roybal. Either candidate has admirable qualities though PNC identifies Cruz as the best and most progressive choice for Lakewood Ward 3 given his outstanding previous experience in this role.
Ken Cruz is running for council member of Lakewood City Council Ward 3. Cruz was assigned this role previously as a part of a special election in March 2025. He has successfully set up round tables and advisory committees for some of Lakewood's most pressing issues like homelessness and small business. Cruz wishes to continue to bring a lens of sustainability, equity, and affordability to city council. He is dedicated to working on responsible growth, a successful economy, climate action, and youth engagement.
Opposing Cruz are Bonnie Nguyen and Pete Roybal. Either candidate has admirable qualities though PNC identifies Cruz as the best and most progressive choice for Lakewood Ward 3 given his outstanding previous experience in this role.
City of Lakewood, Ward #4
Bill Furman is running for the Ward 4 seat on the Lakewood City council. Furman is an architect who has served on numerous advisory committees and on the Lakewood Board of Appeals. He has experience as a leader, problem solver, and in advocating for housing and economic solutions. Most important to Furman’s campaign are public safety, affordable housing, and economic resilience.
Several other candidates are running for this seat including Nick Munden, Desiree Gonzalez, and Ariel Manzanares-Scisney. Munden is relatively inexperienced in local politics; Gonzalez was recently convicted of threatening Lakewood city council members; and Manzanares-Scisney is currently facing online backlash for expressing misogynistic rhetoric on his social media platforms.
In comparison to his opponents, as well as based off of his well rounded platform, Bill Furman is the progressive choice for Ward 4 of the Lakewood City Council.
Bill Furman is running for the Ward 4 seat on the Lakewood City council. Furman is an architect who has served on numerous advisory committees and on the Lakewood Board of Appeals. He has experience as a leader, problem solver, and in advocating for housing and economic solutions. Most important to Furman’s campaign are public safety, affordable housing, and economic resilience.
Several other candidates are running for this seat including Nick Munden, Desiree Gonzalez, and Ariel Manzanares-Scisney. Munden is relatively inexperienced in local politics; Gonzalez was recently convicted of threatening Lakewood city council members; and Manzanares-Scisney is currently facing online backlash for expressing misogynistic rhetoric on his social media platforms.
In comparison to his opponents, as well as based off of his well rounded platform, Bill Furman is the progressive choice for Ward 4 of the Lakewood City Council.
Bill Furman is running for the Ward 4 seat on the Lakewood City council. Furman is an architect who has served on numerous advisory committees and on the Lakewood Board of Appeals. He has experience as a leader, problem solver, and in advocating for housing and economic solutions. Most important to Furman’s campaign are public safety, affordable housing, and economic resilience.
Several other candidates are running for this seat including Nick Munden, Desiree Gonzalez, and Ariel Manzanares-Scisney. Munden is relatively inexperienced in local politics; Gonzalez was recently convicted of threatening Lakewood city council members; and Manzanares-Scisney is currently facing online backlash for expressing misogynistic rhetoric on his social media platforms.
In comparison to his opponents, as well as based off of his well rounded platform, Bill Furman is the progressive choice for Ward 4 of the Lakewood City Council.
City of Lakewood, Ward #5
Paula Nystrom is running for re-election to the Ward 5 seat on the Lakewood City Council. As a council member, she pushed for the establishment of the Lakewood Sustainability Committee to protect clean air and the environment. She aims to continue her work on local zoning and community development projects.
Opposing the incumbent is Karen Gordey. Gordey is outspoken on her status as an unaffiliated voter– despite the non-partisan nature of City Council seats. Gordey supports a limited government and individual liberty. She is endorsed by the Chainsaw Caucus, which is associated with libertarian ideology.
Incumbent Paula Nystrom is the progressive choice for Ward 5 of the Lakewood City Council.
Paula Nystrom is running for re-election to the Ward 5 seat on the Lakewood City Council. As a council member, she pushed for the establishment of the Lakewood Sustainability Committee to protect clean air and the environment. She aims to continue her work on local zoning and community development projects.
Opposing the incumbent is Karen Gordey. Gordey is outspoken on her status as an unaffiliated voter– despite the non-partisan nature of City Council seats. Gordey supports a limited government and individual liberty. She is endorsed by the Chainsaw Caucus, which is associated with libertarian ideology.
Incumbent Paula Nystrom is the progressive choice for Ward 5 of the Lakewood City Council.
Paula Nystrom is running for re-election to the Ward 5 seat on the Lakewood City Council. As a council member, she pushed for the establishment of the Lakewood Sustainability Committee to protect clean air and the environment. She aims to continue her work on local zoning and community development projects.
Opposing the incumbent is Karen Gordey. Gordey is outspoken on her status as an unaffiliated voter– despite the non-partisan nature of City Council seats. Gordey supports a limited government and individual liberty. She is endorsed by the Chainsaw Caucus, which is associated with libertarian ideology.
Incumbent Paula Nystrom is the progressive choice for Ward 5 of the Lakewood City Council.
Jefferson County School District
Depending on where you live, you may have the following school district races on your ballot.
Tina Moeinian is running for JeffCo School Board District 5. A professional mediator and first generation American, Moeinian hopes to center equity and dignity within the Jeffco School Board. She hopes to help the district find resilience against federal budget cuts and political agendas. Supporting educators, ensuring success for students, and managing taxpayer dollars are important to Moeninian’s platform. She is dedicated to transparent and student centered policy that protects the power of public education.
Also running are Mary Parker and Gloria Teresa Rascon.
Dedicated to the idea that “everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity,” Tina Moeinian is the progressive choice for Jefferson County School Board District 5.
Tina Moeinian is running for JeffCo School Board District 5. A professional mediator and first generation American, Moeinian hopes to center equity and dignity within the Jeffco School Board. She hopes to help the district find resilience against federal budget cuts and political agendas. Supporting educators, ensuring success for students, and managing taxpayer dollars are important to Moeninian’s platform. She is dedicated to transparent and student centered policy that protects the power of public education.
Also running are Mary Parker and Gloria Teresa Rascon.
Dedicated to the idea that “everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity,” Tina Moeinian is the progressive choice for Jefferson County School Board District 5.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Tina Moeinian is running for JeffCo School Board District 5. A professional mediator and first generation American, Moeinian hopes to center equity and dignity within the Jeffco School Board. She hopes to help the district find resilience against federal budget cuts and political agendas. Supporting educators, ensuring success for students, and managing taxpayer dollars are important to Moeninian’s platform. She is dedicated to transparent and student centered policy that protects the power of public education.
Also running are Mary Parker and Gloria Teresa Rascon.
Dedicated to the idea that “everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity,” Tina Moeinian is the progressive choice for Jefferson County School Board District 5.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Peter Gibbons is running for Jeffco School Board District 2. Gibbons began his path in politics as a labor union organizer which eventually led him to pursue becoming a lawyer. He hopes to bring these experiences to the school board and feels confident in his ability to face the challenges facing JeffCo today. Gibbons hopes to invest in teachers, end censorship and cultural arguments, and restore trust in educational governance. Gibbons will support a budget and financial practices that allow all students and staff to flourish.
Also running is Samuel Myrant.
A believer in the importance of public education, Peter Gibbons is the progressive choice for JeffCo District 2.
Peter Gibbons is running for Jeffco School Board District 2. Gibbons began his path in politics as a labor union organizer which eventually led him to pursue becoming a lawyer. He hopes to bring these experiences to the school board and feels confident in his ability to face the challenges facing JeffCo today. Gibbons hopes to invest in teachers, end censorship and cultural arguments, and restore trust in educational governance. Gibbons will support a budget and financial practices that allow all students and staff to flourish.
Also running is Samuel Myrant.
A believer in the importance of public education, Peter Gibbons is the progressive choice for JeffCo District 2.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Peter Gibbons is running for Jeffco School Board District 2. Gibbons began his path in politics as a labor union organizer which eventually led him to pursue becoming a lawyer. He hopes to bring these experiences to the school board and feels confident in his ability to face the challenges facing JeffCo today. Gibbons hopes to invest in teachers, end censorship and cultural arguments, and restore trust in educational governance. Gibbons will support a budget and financial practices that allow all students and staff to flourish.
Also running is Samuel Myrant.
A believer in the importance of public education, Peter Gibbons is the progressive choice for JeffCo District 2.
Endorsed By: Colorado Education Association (CEA)
Denine Echevarria is running for the Jeffco School Board District 1. Echevarria is an experienced educator and coordinator who has worked in bilingual instruction, special education, and now as operations coordinator for a non-profit. She will aim to deepen support systems for students through community and parent partnerships. Echevarria believes in student centered education and will advocate for accessible learning opportunities. Echevarria also hopes to uplift teachers and address staffing and workload difficulties to improve the educational experience for all.
Also running is Michael Yocum. Yocum is an IT professional and does not have a particularly well fleshed out platform.
Denine Echevarria is the progressive choice for Jeffco Schools District 1.
Denine Echevarria is running for the Jeffco School Board District 1. Echevarria is an experienced educator and coordinator who has worked in bilingual instruction, special education, and now as operations coordinator for a non-profit. She will aim to deepen support systems for students through community and parent partnerships. Echevarria believes in student centered education and will advocate for accessible learning opportunities. Echevarria also hopes to uplift teachers and address staffing and workload difficulties to improve the educational experience for all.
Also running is Michael Yocum. Yocum is an IT professional and does not have a particularly well fleshed out platform.
Denine Echevarria is the progressive choice for Jeffco Schools District 1.
Denine Echevarria is running for the Jeffco School Board District 1. Echevarria is an experienced educator and coordinator who has worked in bilingual instruction, special education, and now as operations coordinator for a non-profit. She will aim to deepen support systems for students through community and parent partnerships. Echevarria believes in student centered education and will advocate for accessible learning opportunities. Echevarria also hopes to uplift teachers and address staffing and workload difficulties to improve the educational experience for all.
Also running is Michael Yocum. Yocum is an IT professional and does not have a particularly well fleshed out platform.
Denine Echevarria is the progressive choice for Jeffco Schools District 1.
Statewide Ballot Measures
Proposition LL asks if the state should be allowed to keep and spend the revenue collected from Proposition FF. Prop FF established the Healthy School Meals for All Program and has accrued $12.4 million in revenue since its original voter approval in 2022. The Healthy School Meals for All Program is funded through state income taxes and supports free school meals for all students, regardless of family income. Due to the Tax Payers Bill of Rights, the state of Colorado must ask for approval in order to keep and spend tax revenue that has already been collected. If voters do not approve LL, households that paid the state income tax will have the tax revenue reimbursed to them. With the additional funds from LL, the Healthy School Meals for All Program would be able to further support the purchasing and use of Colorado grown products, increase wages for cafeteria employees, and offer training and technical assistance to schools.
Food is necessary for growing and learning brains. For any number of reasons, many children do not have access to quality nutrition. Free and nutritious meals can help support students from all economic and social backgrounds in becoming empowered learners and leaders.
Proposition LL asks if the state should be allowed to keep and spend the revenue collected from Proposition FF. Prop FF established the Healthy School Meals for All Program and has accrued $12.4 million in revenue since its original voter approval in 2022. The Healthy School Meals for All Program is funded through state income taxes and supports free school meals for all students, regardless of family income. Due to the Tax Payers Bill of Rights, the state of Colorado must ask for approval in order to keep and spend tax revenue that has already been collected. If voters do not approve LL, households that paid the state income tax will have the tax revenue reimbursed to them. With the additional funds from LL, the Healthy School Meals for All Program would be able to further support the purchasing and use of Colorado grown products, increase wages for cafeteria employees, and offer training and technical assistance to schools.
Food is necessary for growing and learning brains. For any number of reasons, many children do not have access to quality nutrition. Free and nutritious meals can help support students from all economic and social backgrounds in becoming empowered learners and leaders.
Proposition MM asks if the state income tax should be increased. The tax increase would go towards free school meals to all public school students and food assistance and education to low-income families through the Healthy School Meals for All and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). In tandem with Proposition LL, MM will increase the state’s funding capacity for food and nutrition programming by building the funding reservoir for such programming. Ultimately, programs like this support countless children and families and do a great deal to curb hunger in Colorado. All children need and deserve access to quality nutrition. Proposition MM helps provide government support for pathways to success among school age children of all backgrounds and identities.
Proposition MM asks if the state income tax should be increased. The tax increase would go towards free school meals to all public school students and food assistance and education to low-income families through the Healthy School Meals for All and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). In tandem with Proposition LL, MM will increase the state’s funding capacity for food and nutrition programming by building the funding reservoir for such programming. Ultimately, programs like this support countless children and families and do a great deal to curb hunger in Colorado. All children need and deserve access to quality nutrition. Proposition MM helps provide government support for pathways to success among school age children of all backgrounds and identities.