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Colorado lawmaker David Ortiz decides not to seek third term in 2024 [1]
['Sara Wilson', 'More From Author', '- October']
Date: 2023-10
After two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives, state Rep. David Ortiz announced on Wednesday that he will not seek reelection next year.
“Second only to serving in our armed forces and serving with some of the most amazing humans this country has to offer, serving the people of House District 38 has been a privilege and honor. Ableism and lack of access has made it difficult to serve but the sacrifices have been worth it. That being said, after much reflection, I’ve decided not to run for re-election so that I can enjoy some of the freedoms that I’ve fought for and defended,” Ortiz said in a statement.
The Littleton Democrat was first elected in 2020. He is the only person who uses a wheelchair in the Legislature.
During the most recent legislative session, Ortiz sponsored successful legislation that requires landlords and tenants who receive public assistance to participate in mediation before an eviction action, as well as one that requires health insurers to cover prosthetic devices used for recreational activity.
“With Representative Ortiz’s leadership, Colorado has passed landmark legislation to improve basic access for people with disabilities, bolster services and support for veterans, and build more housing that Coloradans can afford. His advocacy at the Capitol has ensured these critical issues are always front and center, and even after his term ends, I know he will continue fighting for equity at every level,” House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said in a statement.
Hours after Ortiz’s announcement, Littleton Mayor Pro Tem Gretchen Rydin, a Democrat and social worker, announced her candidacy for the seat on Wednesday as well, with Ortiz’s endorsement.
“I’ve spent nearly 15 years in human rights advocacy and community service and will bring that experience to the State House in order to tackle the complex issues facing not only HD 38, but Colorado,” she said in a statement. “Social workers are not afraid of complexity; we embrace it. Representative Ortiz has been a champion for equity and I am thankful for his commitment to our community.”
House District 38 includes Littleton, western Centennial, Columbine and parts of unincorporated Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties. The seat leans towards Democrats, with Ortiz having won reelection last year by an 11-point margin over Republican challenger Jaylen Mosqueira.
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[1] Url:
https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/colorado-lawmaker-david-ortiz-decides-not-to-seek-third-term-in-2024/
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