Throughout her childhood, Rep. Herod’s parents, an Army veteran and a police officer, emphasized the importance of serving one’s community, and that helping others is always the right thing to do. The noble teachings of her parents inspired her to encourage many students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation students at her college, the University of Colorado-Boulder, to run for student government. While in college, she became the Student Body President, managing a $36 million budget. After serving the students at her college, Leslie made an impact on the 2012 presidential election as President Obama’s Deputy Political Director for Colorado, and later gained government experience as the Governor’s Senior Policy Advisor. Finally, Rep. Herod ran for state House to help the people in her district, becoming the first out LGBTQ+ Black person elected to the Colorado legislature.  

An experienced lawmaker and social justice reform advocate
Rep. Herod has served with the mission of improving the lives of all Coloradoans and passed over 150 pieces of legislation in her tenure. Working with community activists and police departments, Leslie championed a successful alternative policing program that deploys trained mental health workers and paramedics to respond to 911 calls involving mental health crises and substance misuse. As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Joint Budget Committee, she has delivered a $36B balanced budget for Colorado. Now Rep. Herod is ready to bring that same approach of putting results over politics to the Denver Mayor’s office. 

A trailblazer 
Having broken barriers by becoming the first out LGBTQ+ Black person elected to the Colorado legislature, Leslie hopes to continue breaking barriers in the Centennial State. If elected Mayor of Denver, Leslie will be the first woman ever elected as Mayor of Denver. The LGBTQ+ Victory Fund is proud to endorse Rep. Leslie Herod at the Spotlight level as she faces a crowded field in this race.