Diana DeGette

Diana DeGette was born in Tokyo, Japan.[1] She graduated from South High School in Denver, Colorado before earning her bachelor's degree from Colorado College and her law degree from New York University.[1] Before her election to Congress, she worked as an attorney and law journal editor and served in the Colorado House of Representatives.[2][1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a fourth generation Denverite and a lifelong advocate for civil rights, reproductive freedom, and the dignity of every person who calls our community home. Before serving in the State House and Congress, I worked as a public defender and civil rights attorney fighting for people who didn’t have a voice in the system. That commitment has guided every chapter of my public service.

Over the years, I’ve taken on some of the toughest fights in Washington: defending immigrants and asylum seekers, pushing for bold climate action, standing up to abuses of executive power, working to pass Medicare for All, and championing cutting-edge medical resources to cure the toughest diseases. I’ve never hesitated to challenge policies that harm our communities, no matter who is in the White House, and I’ve never stopped working to protect the most vulnerable among us.

At my core, I’m someone who believes government should make people’s lives better. I’m proud of the work we’ve done together in Denver, and I’m running for reelection to keep delivering for the city that raised me.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A Proven Champion for Civil Rights and Democracy:

I’ve spent my career defending civil rights, reproductive freedom, and the rule of law; first as a lawyer and now in Congress. I’ve never hesitated to stand up to abuses of power, protect immigrants and asylum seekers, or safeguard our democracy. Voters can count on me to keep fighting for fairness, accountability, and the fundamental rights that define who we are.Delivering for Denver with Leadership That Matters:

As a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, I’ve helped pass legislation to lower prescription drug costs, expand clean energy jobs, strengthen consumer protections, and improve public health. I know how to navigate Congress, build coalitions, and get results. My focus, is and always has been, delivering real, measurable progress for Denver families.Bold Leadership on Climate, Health Care, and the Future We Deserve:

I’m committed to tackling the climate crisis with urgency, expanding access to affordable health care, and building an economy that works for everyone. I’ve long championed Medicare for All, clean energy innovation, and policies that protect our most vulnerable neighbors. My campaign is about creating a more just, sustainable, and equitable future for our community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about building a country where justice, dignity, and opportunity are guaranteed. That’s why I’ve fought to expand health care, including helping pass the Inflation Reduction Act to lower drug costs; to advance bold climate action through the Clean Energy Plan; and to protect reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. I’m committed to immigrant justice, environmental justice, and a democracy that serves all people.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I’ve always looked up to Congressman John Lewis; not just for his courage during the Civil Rights Movement, but for the moral clarity and quiet strength he carried every single day. He taught us that public service is about “good trouble,” about standing up for people who need a voice, and about meeting injustice with persistence and hope. I’m honored to have served with him and called him a friend. His example reminds me that our job is to protect people’s rights, expand justice, and never stop pushing this country closer to the promise of equality. As John would say, “Never give up. Never give in.”

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, independence, and an unwavering commitment to justice. People deserve leaders who tell the truth, stand up to powerful interests, and put community needs ahead of political convenience. Public service requires humility, transparency, and a willingness to listen, especially to those who are too often ignored. At its core, the job is about protecting people’s rights, expanding opportunity, and fighting every day for a fairer, more equitable future.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of this office is to fight every day for the people of Denver. Our congressperson must protect Denverites’ rights, expand their opportunities, and ensure their government works for them, not special interests. That means writing and passing laws that improve lives, conducting rigorous oversight to hold powerful actors accountable, and making sure federal resources reach the communities that need them most. It also means listening, showing up, and being a steadfast voice for justice, equity, and democracy.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be that I used my time in public service to expand justice, protect people’s bodily autonomy, and make government work for those too often left out. I hope people will remember that I fought for reproductive freedom and universal health care, and also for civil rights, LGBTQ+ equality, immigrant justice, and bold environmental protections. Above all, I want to leave behind a stronger, fairer, more inclusive Denver, and a democracy that truly serves its people.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I had numerous babysitting and housecleaning jobs between the ages of 13 and 16. When I was 16, I had my first “official” job as a counter clerk at New Love Dry Cleaners, where I worked for the summer and after school for about a year.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

My youngest daughter, Francesca, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when she was only four, and I was a junior member of Congress. As a family, we had to deal with a very serious chronic disease. It has drawn us closer as a family and also helped guide my crusade for medical breakthroughs for all American families.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The United States House is truly the People’s House. Because all 435 members are elected every two years, they are the closest of all federal officials to their constituents and their day-to-day concerns. While the rules can be frustrating, such as the absolute control of the majority over the agenda, it also gives an opportunity for the minority to clearly call out abuses and right the wrongs in just the next two-year cycle.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Our greatest challenge will be restoring our democracy after the catastrophic presidency of Donald Trump—ensuring all Americans have equal rights regardless of race, gender, gender identity or socioeconomic status; revitalizing our reputation as the beacon of democracy in the world; and eliminating the economic disparities enacted under this administration so everyone will have access to affordable housing, a quality education, a good job and a retirement with dignity.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Part of legislating is compromising; that is the backbone of democratic institutions. I believe in working in coalitions to achieve quality public policy, but I also believe elected officials should never compromise their core values just to pass a bill.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

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AFL-CIO

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AFSCME

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Association of Federal Government Employees (AFGE)

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CHC BOLD PAC

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Colorado Professional Firefighters

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Colorado State Association of Letter Carriers

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CPC PAC

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LiUNA

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Planned Parenthood

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Plumbers Local Union #3

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Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL)

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SEIU

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SMART

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Western States Regional Council of Carpenters

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

I was six years old when President Kennedy was assassinated. I still vividly remember the profound national grief and turmoil of that tragedy.

Campaign websiteDeGette's campaign website stated the following:Fighting back against Donald Trump and the MAGA agenda. That's job number one. I'm Diana DeGette. In Congress, I'm fighting to defend our democracy, protect abortion rights, lower the cost of housing and groceries, and pass Medicare for All. So every Colorado family has affordable health care. I'll never stop fighting the corruption, cruelty, and dangerous behavior of extreme Republicans. I approve this message because our democracy is worth fighting for.— Diana DeGette's campaign website (April 14, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Diana DeGette did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Diana DeGette did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Diana DeGette did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

DeGette's campaign website stated the following:

Leading the charge to make health care accessible to all

Access to health care has been a long time struggle for many Americans. Diana has made it a priority to fight for expanding health care access, securing funding for medical research, supporting medical professionals and patient protections. She played a crucial role in the passage of the Affordable Care Act and has been a leader in the U.S. House on health insurance protocols.

Most recently, Diana co-authored the 21st Century Cures Act, which modernizes the National Institutes of Health and processes for key medical research. The 21st Century Cures Act included funding for Vice President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot, securing the funds needed to accelerate cancer research.

Protecting natural resources and combating climate change

Threats to our natural resources and our environment are cause for serious concern in Colorado and across the country. Diana is a leading voice on environmental issues in Congress and is working to protect both Colorado’s public lands and our global environment. She’s the author of the landmark Colorado Wilderness Act, which would protect and preserve 1.6 million acres of pristine land across Colorado for generations to come.

Fighting for women’s ability to make health care choices

As the co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, Diana has fought for common-sense family planning and reproductive rights. At a time when women’s health care is under constant attack, Diana has spearheaded efforts to protect funding for Planned Parenthood, include access to birth control and comprehensive reproductive health care in health care legislation and leads her caucus in setting a pro-choice agenda.

Protecting and improving consumers across the country

Diana has taken a leading role in advocating for the protection of our nation’s food supply. Diana believes that the protection of our nation’s food supply should be recognized as a critical component of our national security. She is the author of two key pieces of legislation that go a long way toward securing our nation’s food supply.

SAFER (Safe And Fair Enforcement & Recall) Food Act, would give the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration the authority to force a recall of all contaminated foods.

The TRACE (Tracing and Recalling Agricultural Contamination) Act would authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a product tracing system to track products from their origins to the grocery store, enabling faster recall in the event of contamination.

Both food safety measures were endorsed by the New York Times and The Washington Post, and continue to be lauded by newspapers across the country.

Diana was also a key player in the creation and passage of groundbreaking consumer product safety legislation that was signed into law in 2008.[21]

—Diana DeGette for Congress[22]

The following issues were listed on DeGette's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

Health care: Diana is a leading voice on health care reform in Congress. Her efforts were critical to the passage of the Affordable Care Act, a landmark piece of legislation that has expanded access to health care for millions of Americans Diana’s top health care reform initiatives include access to high quality, affordable care for all children, prevention and wellness, strengthening the health care workforce, and expanding primary care and community health center services.

Environment: Threats to our natural resources and our environment are cause for serious concern in Colorado and across the country. Diana is a leading voice on environmental issues in Congress and is working to protect both Colorado’s public lands and our global environment. She’s the author of the landmark Colorado Wilderness Act, which would protect and preserve 1.6 million acres of pristine land across Colorado for generations to come.

Stem cell research: Diana was the chief architect of legislation to expand stem cell research, which was passed twice with broad, bipartisan support in Congress. The measure was vetoed twice by President George W. Bush. In March of 2009, President Barack Obama signed an executive order reversing former President Bush’s restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.

Food and Consumer Product Safety: Diana has taken a leading role in advocating for the protection of our nation’s food supply. Diana believes that the protection of our nation’s food supply should be recognized as a critical component of our national security. She is the author of two key pieces of legislation that go a long way toward securing our nation’s food supply.

Reproductive rights: As the co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, Diana has fought for common-sense family planning and reproductive rights. Diana is fighting to protect access to birth control coverage under the Affordable Care Act and ensuring that women have comprehensive reproductive health care they need.[21]

—Diana DeGette's campaign website, http://degette.com/issues/

DeGette's campaign website listed the following issues:[23]

Health care

Excerpt: "Diana is a leading voice on health care reform in Congress. Her efforts were critical to the passage of the Affordable Care Act, a landmark piece of legislation that has expanded access to health care for millions of Americans Diana’s top health care reform initiatives include access to high quality, affordable care for all children, prevention and wellness, strengthening the health care workforce, and expanding primary care and community health center services."

Environment

Excerpt: "Threats to our natural resources and our environment are cause for serious concern in Colorado and across the country. Diana is a leading voice on environmental issues in Congress and is working to protect both Colorado’s public lands and our global environment."

Stem Cell Research

Excerpt: "Diana was the chief architect of legislation to expand stem cell research, which was passed twice with broad, bipartisan support in Congress. The measure was vetoed twice by President George W. Bush – including his very first presidential veto. In March of 2009, President Barack Obama signed an executive order reversing former President Bush’s restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. Standing next to the President as he signed the order, U.S. Rep. DeGette is working with the Obama Administration on codifying the order into law."

Food and Consumer Product Safety

Excerpt: "Diana has taken a leading role in advocating for the protection of our nation’s food supply. In light of the daunting food contamination outbreaks, Diana believes that the protection of our nation’s food supply should be recognized as a critical component of our national security."

Reproductive rights

Excerpt: "As the co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, Diana has fought for common-sense family planning and reproductive rights. She is a lead sponsor of the Prevention First agenda, which is a comprehensive, bi-partisan approach to reducing unintended pregnancies and the need for abortion."