Colorado House Democrat Jennifer Parenti drops out of contested race

State Rep. Jennifer Parenti, an Erie Democrat running in one of the tightest Colorado House races this November, announced Friday that she’s dropping out of a race that may decide the extent of Democrats’ control in the Capitol next year.

Parenti, a freshman member of the House’s Democratic supermajority, is not resigning and will serve out the remaining months of her term. She informed House leadership Friday morning. Because Parenti’s decision comes after the June legislative primaries, a vacancy committee in House District 19 will select a candidate to replace Parenti on the November ballot.

She said in a statement that her decision to leave her reelection race was influenced by a Capitol culture that rewards “personal agendas and special interests … at the expense of our districts, each other and the integrity of the body in which we serve.”

“While many factors have weighed into this decision, ultimately it comes down to this: I cannot continue to serve while maintaining my own sense of integrity,” she wrote. “The two are simply incompatible.”

Parenti did not elaborate and was not immediately available for comment. House Democratic leadership was also not immediately available for comment.

Parenti sponsored an unsuccessful bill this year that would have required more training for armed school security officers who are not law enforcement. She also sparred with fellow Democrats on the House floor over legislation regulating youth sports. A version of that bill was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Jared Polis.

She is the latest member of the 2022 freshman class to depart the House. Two other House Democrats, Reps. Ruby Dickson and Said Sharbini, resigned late last year. Several House Republicans are also leaving, though that’s to run for other political offices.