Tracy Winchester and her son

Tracy Winchester and her son

I am running for State Representative for House District 2 because families in our district deserve the chance to build stability and raise their children with confidence. Denver must remain a place where that is possible – a community where people can put down roots, access opportunity, and shape a strong future together.

Early Life & Values:

I grew up during the civil rights movement, a time that shaped my understanding of fairness, justice, and the responsibility we all share to speak up for what is right. Those early experiences instilled in me a belief that communities thrive when everyone has a real chance to succeed.

My commitment to public service started young. It led me to earn my degree from Boston College, work on Capitol Hill for Senator Edward Brooke – the first Black U.S. Senator elected by popular vote – and pursue my law degree at Georgetown University.

These experiences grounded my approach to leadership: listen to people, fight for fairness, and build systems that expand opportunity.

Public Service in Colorado:

For decades, I have worked at the intersection of community development, economic opportunity, and public policy.

My experience includes:

  • Housing & Community Development Boards – Supporting policies that strengthen neighborhoods and protect residents.
     
  • Work Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness – Years of hands-on involvement with organizations serving our most vulnerable community members.
     
  • Leadership of the Five Points Business District – Advancing small business growth, improving economic corridors, and preserving the cultural heritage of one of Denver’s historic neighborhoods.
     
  • Senior Roles in State and City Government – Serving Colorado and Denver through roles focused on economic development, transportation connectivity, and community stability.

A Mother’s Perspective:

As a mom, I understand the real challenges that families are facing – especially young people who want to start families but worry about whether they can afford to stay in Denver. Housing costs, child-care expenses, future job opportunities, and long-term stability weigh heavily on parents and future parents across House District 2.

Affordability should not determine whether people can stay in the communities they love.

Why I’m Running Now:

House District 2 is changing rapidly. Families, small businesses, and longtime residents are feeling pressure from housing costs, transportation challenges, and the rising cost of everyday living.

I am running because I believe in a simple but powerful idea: strong families create strong communities, and strong communities create a stronger future for everyone.

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Affiliated Organizations and Board Memberships:

  • Urban Land Conservancy, Board Member, 2020 – Present
  • Colorado Black Leadership Caucus, 2017 – 2019
  • City of Denver, Career Service Board, Board Member, 2017 – 2019
  • Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc., Board Member, 2013 – 2019
  • Cherry Creek Steering Committee, 2013 – 2016
  • Cherry Creek East Association Board, Vice President, 2013- 2015
  • African American Voter Registration and Information Project, Treasurer, 2004 – 2009
  • Colorado Black Women Endowment Fund, President, 1997 – 2017
  • Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA), Board, Vice Chair, 1999-2006
  • National Association of Minorities in Cable Foundation, Trustee & President, 1993 – 2003
  • Women’s Foundation of Colorado, Board Trustee, 2000 – 2006
  • Colorado Lottery Commission, Commissioner, Vice Chair, and Chair, 1996 – 2000
  • Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, 1997 – 1998
  • Colorado Convention Center, Board Member, 1991 – 1993
  • Mile Hi Girl Scouts Council, Board Member & Nominating Committee, 1991 – 1995
  • National Association of Minorities in Cable, Board Member, 1990 – 1993
  • Mayor Wellington E. Webb’s Black Advisory Council, Member, 1992 -1993
  • Jones International Political Action Committee, Vice Chair, 1990 – 1993
  • Colorado Black Women for Political Action, Vice President, 1989 – 1991
  • Colorado Chapter of Minorities in Cable, President, 1988 – 1990
  • Association of Congressional House Democratic Press Assistants, Vice President, 1980

 

Honors & Awards:

  • 2018  – Bisnow Denver Power Women, 2018 Honoree
  • 2017 – Colorado Black Roundtable, Champion of Black Economic Opportunity: 2016, 2017, 2018
  • 2016 – Mountain Region Business Economic Summit, Business Development Advocate of the Year
  • 2016 – Published in The Docket, Denver Bar Association Publication, July/August 2016
  • 2015 – Featured in March cover Story for Her Life Magazine
  • 2013 – Colorado Black Women for Political Action, Business Award
  • 2011 – Featured in Denver Post article on Pathmakers:2011, January 2, 2011
  • 2009 – Colorado Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award
  • 2009 – The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Denver, Dr. Bethune Award of Achievement
  • 2008 – The Cable Center, Featured in Hauser Oral and Video History Collection
  • 2001 – Urban Spectrum, “African Americans Who Make a Difference”
  • 1999 – CTAM U. Fellow, Kellogg Graduate School of Management/Medill
  • 1998 – Girl Scouts, Mile Hi Council – Woman of Distinction
  • 1995 – Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fellow
  • 1994 – Women in Cable – Visibility Award, National
  • 1992 – Women in Cable – Woman to Watch Accolade, National
  • 1991 – Cable TV Public Affairs Association – Crystal Award
  • 1985 – Walter Kaitz Foundation Fellow – National
  • 1983 – Outstanding Young Women of America
  • 1980 – Outstanding Young Women of America
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