Colorado Sen. Faith Winter remembered as a fighter
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Sen. Faith Winter speaks at the Colorado State Capitol April 24, 2025. Photo: Aaron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Colorado state Sen. Faith Winter, 45, is being remembered by friends and family as a fighter for the state's most vulnerable populations.
What they're saying: "I have had the honor of working with her on many issues to improve the lives of every person and family in our great state, and tackling climate change," Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.
"Faith dedicated her career to lifting up working families, strengthening communities, and fighting for a more equitable Colorado. She was tireless, principled, and brave," added Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera.
- "Senator Winter served our state with compassion and an unwavering belief in the power of public service to improve lives," Senate President James Coleman and Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez wrote in a joint statement.
Catch up quick: Winter, D-Broomfield, died Nov. 26 in a five-vehicle car crash on northbound Interstate 25 near Centennial that left three others injured and the highway closed for more than five hours.
- The cause of the wreck remains under investigation.
The big picture: In her 10-year tenure, Winter emerged as a key figure in the #MeToo movement at the state Capitol, going public with claims that a male lawmaker sexually harassed her. The lawmaker was later expelled, and Winter led legislation to tighten rules about conduct among colleagues.
- Other accomplishments include leading the fight for a paid family leave program and passing a climate-minded transportation bill to boost electric vehicle sales and curb pollution.
- Outside the Capitol, Winter worked as an environmental campaign organizer and helped train women to run for elected office.
Between the lines: In September 2023, Winter suffered a major brain injury while riding a bike to the state Capitol when she crashed into a curb to avoid a large truck.
- She served as the chairperson for the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee but stepped down to seek treatment for alcohol abuse in April 2024 after she attended a community meeting intoxicated.
- Her colleagues determined the incident violated the legislature's ethics policy.
What's next: Winter is survived by her two children and fiancé Matt Gray, a former lawmaker who didn't seek reelection after he was arrested for driving under the influence in 2022.
- No details about a memorial service have been announced yet.