Representative Eliza Hamrick

Eliza Hamrick is an American Democratic politician representing House District 61 in the Colorado House of Representatives, which encompasses portions of Arapahoe and Douglas counties, including southeast Aurora and Centennial. She assumed office on January 9, 2023, after being elected in the 2022 general election.

Hamrick comes from a family dedicated to public service. Her mother, Eliza Carney, was an award-winning hunger and healthcare activist, and her father, James Carney, was a dedicated teacher for over 30 years. She was drawn to education from an early age and has dedicated her career to the profession and advocacy for her community.

Throughout her career, Hamrick has been a fierce advocate for public schools and immigrant rights. She was a founding member of Teachers United for Immigrant Rights, which conducts trainings and advocacy for immigrant students and families. She has also been active with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, Colorado Schools Resist, and the American Friends Service Committee. Her community engagement extends to public health, having worked extensively with vaccine clinics sponsored by the Colorado Vaccine Equity Taskforce.

Her advocacy efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the John Chase Award for political action statewide and the Adlai Stevenson Award for lifetime achievement.

Education

Hamrick graduated from the University of Arizona, where she attended on a cross-country and track and field scholarship. She was recognized as a high school All-American in cross-country and a collegiate All-American in Track and Field.

Political Experience

Before her election to the state legislature, Hamrick had a distinguished career as an educator, teaching history and government at Overland High School for over 32 years within the Cherry Creek School District. During her tenure in the district, she helped organize teachers and community members to support pro-public education candidates and bond initiatives.

Currently serving in the Colorado House of Representatives, Hamrick is a member of the House Education Committee and the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee. Her legislative priorities include education funding, supporting working families, and gun legislation. She has championed legislation to promote apprenticeship programs, support Colorado's workforce, and boost K-12 education funding. She also sponsored legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to enhance school and community safety.