This was a blog post I had ready to go for Thanksgiving when the tragic news struck about the loss of my friend Senator Faith Winter. Now seems like a good time to put this out there. Even as I still miss Faith. A lot.
This New Year, my heart overflows with thanks and gratitude. There’s a risk in leaving out someone important, but I’m gonna take the plunge in semi-random order:
- I’m thankful for the continued health, safety and well being of my four children.
- I’m thankful for the 27J schools that educated my children. Go ThunderHawks!
- I’m thankful so many Democrats still identify as Democrats. Still. Despite the betrayals and the pussy footing from party leaders, many of us continue to identify as Democrats and to the rest of you I’m very thankful.
- I’m super grateful I landed an amazing Campaign Manager. His name is Brian Hewlett, he also runs the L.I.F.E. Foundation, and I hope you get a chance to meet him along the campaign trail over the next 10 months.
- I’m thankful I live in the greatest city – Commerce City – in the greatest county – Adams County – in the greatest state – Colorado – in what was once, and will one day once again be, the greatest country ever. How lucky am I?!?!
- I’m thankful for the Teamsters Union. My family and I have great health insurance and I enjoy dignity at work. Union For All! (With a special shoutout to Local 455!)
- I’m grateful to all the sponsors, ticket buyers, panelists, volunteers and others who come together to make ClimateCon! the great celebration of climate innovation it has become known for. The next one is February 2nd, www.climatecon.world
- I’m grateful my two favorite hockey teams – the Caps and the Avs – are both playing good hockey and looking like playoff teams. Yes, I said both! And if either misses the playoffs now, we’ll all know I’m the one to blame 🙂
- I’m grateful Las Dos Americas is expanding. What can I say, I love fresh tortillas!
- I’m grateful for the crew at Ted’z. (I’m looking at you Boxline 1.) Sometimes, you just want a cold beer after work. Even if your shift ends at 9:30AM.
- I’m thankful for the crew at Pour Tap House. We needed a watering hole up here on the north range, and they’ve been delivering now for what, close to 10 years. Wow how time flies.
- I’m thankful my 2010 KIA Sedona keeps on chugging along. I call her the Korean Stallion for a reason!
- I’m thankful my beautiful state of Colorado didn’t vote for Trump – all 3 times! I wouldn’t feel completely comfortable in a red state.
- I’m thankful Jimmy Fallon is back on the air despite the fascist impulses of our thin-skinned President.
- I’m grateful Adams 14 Education Foundation continues to expand and grow its scope of influence serving economically disadvantaged youth in core city Commerce City.
As you can see, I have a lot to be thankful as 2026 gets ramped up.
Most of all, thanks to all who have contributed to my campaign! Primaries can be lonely affairs and money is hard to come by, so most of all, thank you to all my donors!