LGBTQIA+ rights are under attack – both nationally and here in Colorado. Far-right leaders weaponize these issues to divide us, as we saw in the 2024 elections when Donald Trump ran an ad targeting LGBTQIA+ people with hateful rhetoric.
Locally, we must hold our own leaders accountable. My opponent was the only Democrat to vote against SCR24-003, a crucial measure to remove the outdated ban on same-sex marriage from Colorado’s constitution. This was a missed opportunity to stand firmly for equality – especially painful coming from someone who claims to represent our community.
Some say we don’t need to talk about LGBTQIA+ issues so much, or that the community already has “enough” rights. But just days ago, the Supreme Court was asked to overturn the landmark Obergefell ruling that guaranteed marriage equality nationwide. The threat is real.
We must demand that our state and local officials fight as hard as national leaders – if not harder – to protect the rights of every person, no matter their sexuality, economic status, or skin color.
That’s why I’m running: to be a voice that refuses to stay silent and a leader who holds all officials accountable. Colorado deserves no less.
Chauncy Johnson/Candidate for 2026 Colorado House of Representatives District 17
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