Gretchen Rydin

Gretchen Rydin earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 2006 and a graduate degree from Howard University in 2018. Her career experience includes working as a therapist and social worker.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a social worker, therapist, former Littleton City Council member, musician, and current state representative who believes in listening better, treating people with kindness, and leaving our communities a little better than we found them.

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?

Affordability: Making Colorado more affordable by expanding housing options, supporting working families and small businesses, and lowering the cost of living.Mental Health: Increasing funding for mental health and addiction services, expanding access, and ensuring patient protections.Human Rights: Protecting the dignity, rights, and freedoms of every person and standing up for communities whose rights are under threat.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m especially passionate about mental health and addiction, affordable housing, reducing homelessness, immigrant rights, and building strong, inclusive communities.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I’m proud to be supported by a broad coalition of labor, educators, health care professionals, businesses, environmental advocates, and human rights organizations. This includes: Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Association of Realtors, Colorado AFL-CIO, AFSCME, SEIU Local 105, Communications Workers of America, American Federation of Teachers Colorado, Colorado Professional Fire Fighters, Colorado Education Association, National Association of Social Workers–Colorado, Colorado Medical Society, Colorado Nurses Association, Colorado Academy of Family Physicians, Colorado Intellectual and Developmental Disability Alliance, One Colorado, Moms Demand Action, Conservation Colorado, and the Sierra Club

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a member of Littleton City Council, a therapist, social worker, musician, and advocate for mental health. I was elected to Littleton City Council as an at-large candidate in November 2021, and then subsequently chosen as Mayor Pro Tem by my peers. On City Council I restored funding to the Littleton Immigrant Resource Center, helped pass an inclusive housing ordinance, and secured funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion training in Littleton. I have worked hard to tackle the complexities of land use policy, environmental issues, and economic development all while carefully managing the taxpayers’ dollars.

In addition, I have spent nearly 15 years in human rights advocacy and community service and will bring that experience to the State House in order to tackle the complex issues facing not only HD 38, but Colorado. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). I earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in social work from Howard University. I am a therapist specializing in trauma and addiction, counseling individuals, couples, and groups.

I am a servant leader and try to give back to my community as often as possible through the arts and volunteering at schools that offer classical music programs.

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?

As a mental health professional, I am advocate for access to mental health services including treatment for addiction and substance abuse prevention.I would like to increase support and grant funding for small businesses.I believe in housing equity through creating pathways to homeownership for working families as well as prioritizing support and protections for renters.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordable housing, mental health and expanding the arts in education.

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

Being a good listener, playing an active role in the community through volunteering and advocacy, and leading with integrity.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a hardworking, experienced elected leader, a social worker, an advocate for mental health, and a supporter of the arts. I find joy in engaging with my constituents and showing up for community in times of need and to celebrate successes.

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

Creating a space for open communication with constituents, developing policies that not only work the district they serve but for all Coloradans, and keeping the people informed of the work that is getting done on their behalf.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Mitigating affordability and growth, e.g. rising housing, healthcare and education costs.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think it certainly helps but it depends on the person. Someone with business leadership experience or a super volunteer who knows the ins and outs of their district could be just as successful if not more than an experienced politician.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. Creating collegial atmosphere with your peers is essential to getting the support needed to get legislation passed. If not, a lot of time and energy may be wasted trying to resolve conflicts instead of getting work done for the people.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I am only focused on being elected to represent HD 38 at this time.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a mental health professional, counselor, and clinician, I work with people who may be in dangerous situations as a result of domestic violence and abuse and/or who have experience trauma due to substance use. I am impacted on a daily basis from the stories I hear and will use my expertise to implement policies for mental health when I am elected to represent HD 38 in the State House.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Orgs - Colorado Ceasefire, Moms Demand Action, and New Politics. Individuals - Congressman Jason Crow, Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen, Arapahoe County Commissioners Jessica Campbell Swanson and Carrie Warren-Gully, Rep. David Ortiz (HD 38 Incumbent), and Monica Duran (House Majority Leader).

What committees interest you?

Health and Human Services, Business, Labor & Technology, and Transportation, Housing & Local Government

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are equally important and integral in preserving our democracy.