June 13, 2017 12:09 PM UTC

Joe Neguse Running For CD-2

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE: Neguse makes it official:

Joe is running for Congress because, as a first generation American, he has been driven all his life to give back to the community, state and country that have given him and his family the freedom and opportunity to succeed, and he has worked hard to ensure that others have those same opportunities. First, as co-founder of New Era Colorado, the state’s largest youth voter registration and mobilization non-profit and an organization leading the fight locally against climate change, where he worked to expand opportunities for young people to participate in our democracy. Later, as CU Regent for the 2nd Congressional District—the second youngest ever elected in Colorado history—where he fought to make higher education more affordable and accessible, deeply committed to the principle that every child should have the opportunity to access quality higher education. And for the last few years he led Colorado’s consumer protection agency, fighting to expand economic opportunities by protecting the civil rights of every Coloradan and strengthening our consumer protections and safeguards.

Joe firmly believes that we should be expanding—not restricting—opportunities for all Coloradans, and he has spent his career doing the same. The opportunity to immigrate to our incredible country and pursue the American dream; to attend college, and participate in our economy; and ultimately, to shape our democracy. Joe’s belief that all Coloradans are entitled to these opportunities, shaped by his parent’s journey and experience, has been a guiding principle in his life, and he’s ready to fight for these opportunities every day in the United States Congress.

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The Grand Junction Sentinel’s Charles Ashby breaks the latest word from former CU Regent Joe Neguse, confirming Neguse’s widely-expected entry into the CD-2 congressional race to succeed Rep. Jared Polis of Boulder:

.@JoeNeguse has resigned Hick’s cabinet to run for @RepJaredPolis seat in CD2. #copolitics

— Charles Ashby (@OldNewsman) June 13, 2017

Neguse is a co-founder of youth political organizing group New Era Colorado, an organization that also produced Sen. Steve Fenberg and Rep. Leslie Herod. Neguse has long been considered a rising star in Democratic Colorado politics, and the newly-open CD-2 race could be his best shot at a big step up. With good relationships among Democratic activists and donors, watch for Neguse to move quickly to lock down support early in the primary while other would-be candidates are still deciding whether to get in.

A long race lies ahead, but don’t underestimate Neguse’s desire or ability to go all the way.