Monica Duran

Monica Duran is a Democratic state representative serving House District 23 in Colorado, which encompasses Lakewood, Lakeside, Applewood, and Mountain View in Jefferson County. She currently serves as House Majority Leader, a position she was elected to by her colleagues in the state legislature.

As a survivor of domestic violence, Duran has made protecting vulnerable populations a central focus of her legislative work. She comes from a family with a strong tradition of social justice activism, having learned as a young child about fighting injustice by watching her mother and siblings march alongside César Chávez and Dolores Huerta in the labor movement.

Political Experience and Notable Achievements

Duran has championed legislation addressing multiple policy areas:

• Public Safety & Gun Violence: Led legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to reduce gun violence in communities
• Worker Protection: Sponsored bills to improve wages for home care workers and promote unionization rights
• Victim Support: Co-sponsored HB24-1122, Protection Orders for Victims Against Crimes, and legislation supporting survivors of crime and violence
• Child Welfare: Advanced protections for children
• Climate & Energy: Co-sponsored SB24-218, Modernizing Energy Distribution Systems, which helps Colorado meet its climate goals
• Animal Welfare: Active member of the Colorado Legislative Animal Welfare Caucus

Previously serving as House Co-Whip, Duran currently sits on the Executive Committee and Legislative Council. She is a member of the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus and the Children's Caucus.