Key Takeaways:
- State Sen. Faith Winter, a Broomfield Democrat, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 near Denver.
- Winter was a fierce advocate for transit and served as chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee.
- She was entering her 12th and final year as a state lawmaker due to term limits.
- Winter was a skilled policymaker, especially on transportation and environmental issues, and was beloved by her colleagues for her warmth and leadership.
- She was a trailblazer who fought for Colorado’s most vulnerable and was a champion for working people and the environment.
Introduction to Sen. Winter’s Tragic Death
State Sen. Faith Winter, a Broomfield Democrat and the mother of two children, was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 near Denver on Wednesday night. The wreck occurred in the northbound lanes of the highway, near Dry Creek Road, and involved five vehicles. Deputy John Bartmann of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one person was killed and three others were injured in the crash. The cause of the wreck is currently under investigation, and officials are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Sen. Winter’s Legacy and Accomplishments
Sen. Winter was a highly respected and accomplished lawmaker, known for her fierce advocacy on issues such as transportation, energy, and the environment. She served as chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee and was entering her 12th and final year as a state lawmaker due to term limits. During her time in office, Winter championed several key pieces of legislation, including a measure to raise billions of dollars for transportation projects in Colorado. She also played a crucial role in passing a ballot measure that created a government-run paid family and parental leave program. Her colleagues remembered her as a skilled and tough policymaker who was always willing to take on tough challenges.
Tributes and Remembrances
Tributes poured in from across the state as news of Sen. Winter’s passing spread. Senate President James Coleman and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez issued a statement expressing their devastation and sadness at the loss of their colleague. Gov. Jared Polis also released a statement, calling Sen. Winter a "fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, families, and our climate." House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran remembered Sen. Winter as an exceptional legislator and a champion for working people and the environment. Shad Murib, chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, praised Sen. Winter as a trailblazer who always fought for Colorado’s most vulnerable.
Personal Life and Challenges
Sen. Winter was a beloved figure at the Capitol, known for her warmth and kindness. She often had her dog, Queso, by her side, and her daughter would sell Girl Scout cookies outside the House and Senate chambers. However, Sen. Winter also faced personal challenges during her time in office, including health struggles and a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease in 2022. She also suffered a head injury in a bike accident in 2023 and briefly stepped away from her legislative work to seek medical treatment for alcoholism in 2024.
Future Plans and Next Steps
A Democratic vacancy committee in Senate District 25 will determine who will serve out Sen. Winter’s term. The committee will follow the usual process for filling a vacancy, which includes selecting a replacement from a pool of candidates. The timeline for this process has not been announced, but it is expected to take place in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Sen. Winter’s colleagues and friends are taking time to grieve and process their loss. As Shad Murib, chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, said, "We will follow up with any information regarding the vacancy process once we’ve all collectively been able to take a breath, grieve, and process — that’s the most important thing we can do right now."