Gretchen Rydin is a Democrat representing House District 38 in the Colorado House of Representatives, covering parts of Littleton, Centennial, Arapahoe County, and Jefferson County. Elected in 2024, she previously served on the Littleton City Council starting in 2021, including as Mayor Pro Tem for her first two years. A licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor , she works as a therapist specializing in trauma and addiction at a community mental health center. She is also a musician, playing violin and viola with the Denver Pops Orchestra. Notable achievements include a 92% score from Conservation Colorado in 2025 for environmental votes and sponsorship of bills on behavioral health treatment. She serves on the House Business Affairs & Labor and Health & Human Services committees.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts from Brigham Young University; Masters in Social Work from Howard University.
• Professional Experience: Worked at a crisis walk-in clinic, in outpatient therapy, and previously for a human rights organization in Washington, D.C., advancing LGBTQ+ rights, refugee protection, and anti-human trafficking efforts; served on the board of the InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Washington.
• Political Experience: Littleton City Council ; Colorado House District 38 .