Edie Hooton

As of 2019, Edie Hooton lived in Boulder, Colorado. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993. Hooton’s career experience includes working as a finance manager with Vertiba and in government affairs. She has served on the advisory committee of the BlueFlower Fund of Colorado, which describes itself as “a small donor committee which gives you the opportunity to empower women candidates.”[1] Hooton was elected to serve as the representative for Colorado State House District 10.[2][3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Edie Hooton is an experienced legislator and public servant running for the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Hooton has been engaged in Boulder community service for almost 30 years. Hooton is running for CU Regent to protect academic freedom against federal interference, improve graduation rates for first-generation students, and make tuition more affordable. She is a principled fighter and a leader with a proven track record of getting things done.

She served as President of the Democratic Women of Boulder County. From 2017 to 2023, she represented District 10 in the Colorado House of Representatives. During her tenure, she was recognized as "State Legislator of the Year" by CU for her advocacy for higher education funding and affordability. She chaired the Capital Development Committee and served as Vice Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee, passing legislation on consumer protection, mobile home ownership, and climate resilience. Hooton has a deep connection to the University of Colorado. She is the mom and aunt of CU graduates and a mentor in CU’s leadership program.

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?

Edie is a proven champion for CU who has a detailed plan to fight for affordable tuition for Colorado families. She will prioritize students over bureaucracy; use out-of-state demand for a CU education to protect in-state students; restore state funding of CU, maximize the revenue potential of CU facilities, and enhance transfer credit opportunities.Edie is a principled fighter who won't be afraid to fight back against federal attacks on academic freedom and research funding. She has the track record to prove it as she took on tough foes in the legislature like private equity firms and corporate interests to protect renters and Colorado families.We must improve the graduation rate for first generation students. For too many Colorado students, the dream of a college degree feels financially impossible. As a mentor in CU’s Leadership program, I have seen the crushing anxiety of the student loan crisis firsthand.

The graduation rates at our CU Denver and Colorado Springs (UCCS) campuses need improvement. There, only 46% of students graduate within six years. When more than half of our students leave without a diploma, they aren't just missing out on a career—they are being left behind with life-altering debt and no degree. My Plan: Proven Strategies for Student Success. We will implement the retention strategies that are working best from other universities across the country.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordable, accessible higher education.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Over 60 elected local Democratic leaders throughout CD2 have endorsed Edie.

Edie Hooton did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Edie Hooton did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

Hooton's campaign website highlighted the following issues:

Fighting climate change: I fully embrace the call for 100% renewable energy by 2030 – it is what is needed to respond to the climate crisis facing our planet and will greatly benefit our state and country as we drive innovation and create jobs, tax benefits, and economic multiplier effects. Weather related events in Colorado – droughts, forest fires, floods, widespread tree diseases, and unusual weather patterns – are only going to get worse unless we act. As state representative, I will work hard to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and grow our renewable energy sector so that state government is doing its part to address our climate crisis.

Economic Opportunity for All: I believe that all people, regardless of background or life circumstances, deserve a chance at a good education and a decent life with economic security – when so many Coloradans are only one hospital bill, one student debt payment, or one paycheck away from economic disaster. As state representative, I will fight for increased investments in our K-12, higher education and transportation systems. I’ll help pass common sense ways that will help create good-paying jobs so that we can rebuild the middle class.

Increasing the Minimum Wage: Our minimum wage is too low. Folks working a 40 hour work-week should not live in poverty or have to depend on food stamps, Medicaid, and subsidized housing to make ends meet. I fully support efforts to increase Colorado’s minimum wage and I support giving municipalities like Boulder the ability to raise the minimum wage even higher.

Fighting for Pay Equity: Statistics show that Colorado women face a massive pay gap that is hurting families’ economic security and holding back economic growth. The problem is even more severe for women of color. If we close the pay gap, the poverty rate for working women will be cut in half and the Colorado economy would grow by over $9 billion! I will fight for the Equal Pay in State Contracts Act. The bill requires businesses to pay all employees at the same rate regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, or national origin for substantially similar work.

High Quality and Affordable Education: I’m endorsed by the Boulder Valley Education Association and the Colorado Education Association because I will fight to reverse Colorado’s education funding gap. Sadly, our investment in K-12 and higher education is currently at the bottom in the U.S. because of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). We must find creative ways to ensure that education is accessible and affordable for all, including Dreamers. In addition, I support universal full-day pre-K to ensure all of our children are getting the kind of early education support that will help them succeed in the future.[8]

—Edie Hooton[9]