Barbara McLachlan is a Democrat who represented Colorado House District 59 from 2017 to 2025. A fourth-generation Coloradan living in Durango, she is a former educator, journalist, and state legislator who later served on the Colorado Transportation Commission for District 8 . Notable achievements include chairing the House Education Committee, serving on the House Transportation & Energy Committee, and winning reelection in 2022. She is widowed with two children; her late husband, Mike McLachlan, also served in the Colorado House.

Education and Political Experience

• Taught high school English for 20 years at Durango High School and worked as an independent college consultant.
• Previously a journalist for the Durango Herald.
• Elected to Colorado House in 2016 ; served eight years until her legislative career ended in 2025.
• Appointed to Colorado Transportation Commission post-legislature to represent rural areas.