Alex Valdez (0005)

Alex Valdez is a Democrat representing Colorado House District 5, which encompasses the urban core of Denver, including downtown and one of the most polluted zip codes in the country. Born on June 3, 1981, and raised in the Denver metro area , he is a lifelong Democrat, LGBTQ person of color, and advocate for equal rights and environmental justice. Elected in 2018 with 79% of the vote to succeed former House Speaker Crisanta Duran, he made history as the first incoming legislator appointed to a leadership role in Colorado's House. Prior to politics, he founded EcoMark Solar during the 2008 recession, growing it into one of Colorado's largest solar companies before it closed in 2022 amid industry changes post-COVID. Notable achievements include chairing the Energy & Environment Committee, leading the Latino and LGBTQ Caucuses, founding the General Aviation Caucus, and passing laws on community solar, air toxics protection, animal cruelty, marijuana reform, and phasing out single-use plastics and styrofoam. He briefly ran for Denver Mayor from November 2022 to January 2023.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Attended Rangeview High School ; studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University before transferring to University of Colorado Boulder, earning a History degree in 2004.
• Political Experience: Elected to Colorado House in 2018; current roles include Chair of Energy & Environment Committee, member of Transportation, Housing & Local Government, and State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committees; past and present leadership in Latino Caucus , LGBTQ Caucus , and Aviation Caucus .