Jenny Willford is a Democratic member of the Colorado House of Representatives representing House District 34, which includes portions of Adams County, including the communities of Northglenn and Thornton. She has served in this position since January 9, 2023, following her election in November 2022.

Willford is described as a strong environmental advocate and proud former union member who has dedicated her career to standing up for working families and advocating for clean air and water. She is the mother of two and resides in Northglenn with her family, including her husband Matt, whom she met in college.

Education

Willford holds a master's degree in human rights and political science from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. She also earned bachelor's degrees in women's studies and international studies from the University of Wyoming.

Political Experience

Local Government Service

Before serving in the state legislature, Willford was elected to the Northglenn City Council in 2017 and served as Mayor Pro Tem. During her tenure on the city council from 2017 to 2023, she championed several significant initiatives, including passing one of the state's most generous municipal paid family leave programs, investing in critical city infrastructure, supporting small businesses during the pandemic, and delivering affordable and senior housing options. She also led the effort to build the state's first all-electric city hall, which opened in October 2024.

State Legislature

As State Representative, Willford has been effective in introducing and passing legislation protecting the rights of Coloradans, supporting working families, and strengthening the continuum of care for older adults. She has championed legislation improving air quality and ensuring free menstrual products are available in every school across the state.

Willford currently serves as Vice Chair of the House Energy and Environment Committee and as a member of the State, Civic, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee.

Prior Professional Experience

Before her elected positions, Willford worked as a legislative associate at Siegel Public Affairs from 2012 to 2014 and served as executive director of Emerge Colorado from 2014 to 2017. She operated her own consulting firm from 2017 to 2019 and joined the Colorado Sierra Club as the organization's decarbonization program manager in 2019. She has also established herself as a business owner with an entrepreneurial spirit and multiple small business ventures.