Julie Gonzales

Julie Gonzales is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as a member of the Colorado State Senate, representing the 34th district in the City and County of Denver. A member of the Democratic Party, Gonzales has been in office since her election in 2018. She is recognized for her progressive stance on various issues, including criminal justice reform, reproductive rights, and immigrant protections. In addition to her legislative duties, she has held the position of Senate Majority Whip and has actively participated in several Senate committees. Gonzales has also announced her candidacy for the 2026 United States Senate election in Colorado, challenging incumbent Senator John Hickenlooper in the Democratic primary.

Early life and career

Julie Gonzales was born on March 14, 1983, on the San Carlos Apache reservation in Arizona. She is the sixth of seven children in her family, born to Gloria and Mario Gonzales. Her father, who initially worked as a rancher, has transitioned into the role of a medical cannabis producer in northern New Mexico. Gonzales spent her formative years in South Texas, where she developed a strong sense of community and social justice.

Gonzales pursued higher education at Yale University, graduating in 2005 with a degree in History and Ethnicity, Race, and Migration. Following her graduation, she relocated to Colorado, where she began her career as a community organizer. Her work focused on various social issues, including affordable housing, environmentalism, workers' rights, and education for underprivileged youth. Gonzales was actively involved in advocating for immigrant rights, which has remained a central theme throughout her political career.

In 2006, she volunteered for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign, which marked the beginning of her formal involvement in political activism. Subsequently, she was hired by the Colorado Democratic Party, where she played a significant role in Morgan Carroll's campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in Colorado's 6th Congressional District. Gonzales was responsible for engaging volunteers and mobilizing voters in support of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election. Her commitment to the Democratic Party was further solidified when she was elected to serve on the Party's Central Committee and Executive Committee in 2017.

Legislative service

Gonzales entered the Colorado Senate after winning the 2018 election for the 34th district. She successfully secured her position by winning both the primary and general elections, demonstrating her strong support within the community. In the Senate, she has taken on the role of Senate Majority Whip, which involves significant responsibilities in managing party strategy and legislative priorities.

Her legislative work has been characterized by a focus on progressive policies. Gonzales has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, reproductive rights, and immigration reform. One of her notable achievements includes sponsoring legislation that led to the repeal of Colorado's death penalty in 2020. This landmark legislation was a significant step in her efforts to promote a more humane justice system.

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022, Gonzales sponsored legislation aimed at codifying abortion access within Colorado's legal framework. This initiative reflects her commitment to protecting reproductive rights and ensuring access to healthcare for all individuals in the state.

Gonzales has also been active in addressing immigration issues. In 2025, she sponsored a bill that sought to limit cooperation between Colorado state and local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. This legislation aimed to protect vulnerable communities by restricting immigration operations in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and childcare centers. Her efforts in this area underscore her dedication to advocating for immigrant rights and fostering inclusive policies.

In addition to her legislative responsibilities, Gonzales has participated in various Senate committees, including the Judiciary Committee, Local Government & Housing Committee, Appropriations Committee, Finance Committee, Committee on Legal Services, and the Legislative Council. Her involvement in these committees allows her to influence a wide range of legislative issues and contribute to the development of policies that align with her progressive values.

Policy focus and district

Gonzales represents a diverse constituency in the 34th district, which encompasses parts of the City and County of Denver. Her policy focus reflects the needs and priorities of her constituents, with an emphasis on social justice, economic equity, and community empowerment. She has been a strong advocate for policies that support working families, including efforts to raise the federal minimum wage, expand access to healthcare, and promote universal childcare.

Her political positions include support for Medicare for All, a ban on congressional stock trading, and the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Gonzales has also expressed her commitment to protecting gender-affirming care and advocating for Palestinian self-determination. These positions align with her progressive ideology and her belief in the importance of addressing systemic inequalities.

Gonzales's involvement with the Democratic Socialists of America from 2018 to 2024 further illustrates her alignment with progressive movements and her commitment to grassroots organizing. She has actively supported labor movements and has been involved in various campaigns advocating for workers' rights.

As she prepares for her campaign in the 2026 United States Senate election, Gonzales continues to position herself as an "insurgent progressive," emphasizing the need for bold and confrontational policies to address the challenges facing her constituents and the broader community. Her candidacy reflects her ongoing commitment to progressive values and her desire to bring about meaningful change at both the state and national levels.