Patty McMahon

Patty McMahon earned a high school diploma from Bishop Gorman High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 1989. Her career experience includes working as a writer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Patty McMahon spent over 3 decades at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, beginning as an investigator and later as Denver’s Outreach & Education Coordinator, where she also acted as congressional liaison for 25 years. In that role, she worked with congressional offices in Colorado and nationwide and learned a Congressional job is not just about Washington. It is also about meeting the daily needs of the constituents at home.

Selected as Region VIII Lead for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, she served as the federal representative to community stakeholders, ensuring their voices were carried to the White House.

McMahon serves on Colorado nonprofit and civic boards. She has built relationships across the political aisle, working with leaders of varied political affiliations. She has served as a campaign director and as a public relations director for congressional candidates from different parties. She believes the current political climate calls for an independent voice disconnected from partisan politics.

In 2004, McMahon was selected to an elite committee charged with reorganizing EEOC. The initiative modernized the Agency’s structure, eliminated redundancies, and relocated HQ from a high-rent district to a cost-effective facility, saving taxpayers millions without reducing staff. The efficiencies applied continue to benefit taxpayers.

A graduate of MSU-Denver, she has lived in her district for 26 years.

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?

Defending Constitutional Limits on Government Power

Over the years, executive power has expanded far beyond what the Constitution intended. Presidents increasingly govern through executive orders with the quiet acceptance of Congress, and Americans are expected to comply even when these orders are issued without meaningful debate, accountability, or consent.

When one branch of government accumulates too much power, democracy weakens. When Congress surrenders its role, it is the people who lose their voice.

I am running to defend the separation of powers, because it’s the foundation of our system of self-government.Protecting Civil Liberties and Due Process

Protecting civil liberties flows directly from defending constitutional limits. When government power expands, individual rights shrink. Too often, we are told that constitutional rights must be set aside “just this once.” That emergencies require shortcuts. That fear justifies surveillance, and censorship.

Rights do not exist only when they are convenient. They exist precisely for difficult times. Due process, free expression, privacy, and equal treatment under the law are not obstacles to good governance. They are what make good governance possible.

I am committed to defending civil liberties because government power must remain accountable to the Constitution and the people.Opposing Unnecessary War and Military Adventurism

I am not a pacifist. I believe in self-defense. I believe in protecting this country when it is truly threatened. But I do not believe in endless war or aggression simply because we have the power to project force.

Presidents authorize military action without formal approval. Congress funds it without meaningful debate. Wars continue for years without clear purpose or accountability.

Endless war is not strength. It’s a disgrace. These conflicts cost lives, destabilize regions, drain resources, and erode civil liberties at home.

I oppose unnecessary military intervention because I believe war should always be a last resort, clearly justified, and constitutionally authorized.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe Congress has a constitutional responsibility under Article I to control federal spending and ensure appropriated funds are used as authorized. When questions arise about agency transfers or interagency agreements, Congress must conduct strong oversight. I will call for a congressional investigation into funding and financial operations associated with DOGE to determine whether Congress’s authority over federal spending has been respected. Drawing on my experience working inside a federal agency, I will introduce the Transparency and Responsible Use of Statutory Taxpayer Funds (TRUST) Act to ensure federal dollars are spent as Congress authorized and to protect civil servants who follow appropriations law from political pressure.