Jennifer Lea Parenti is an American politician who is a member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 19th district, which includes portions of Erie, Longmont, Firestone, Dacono, Frederick and other surrounding areas. She was elected in 2022 and assumed office in January 2023.
Jennifer Lea Parenti | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 19th district | |
| Assumed office January 9, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Tim Geitner |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Erie, Colorado, U.S. |
| Alma mater | United States Air Force Academy (BS) Naval Postgraduate School (MS) Air University (MA) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1995–2014 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Background
editParenti was born in Denver, Colorado. From 1995 to 2014 she served as an U.S. Air Force officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. In 1995, she graduated with a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and received her graduate degree from the Naval Postgraduate School.[1] Among the highlights of her Air Force service were serving as a ROTC instructor at the University of Massachusetts, an Air Force international affairs specialist, and as a military attache at the US Embassy in Paris.[2] After retirement, she worked for NATO before returning to Colorado.[2]
Political career
editIn the 2022 general election, Parenti defeated the incumbent Republican representative, Dan Woog, after redistricting.[1][3] Her legislative priorities include housing, transportation, veteran issues and advocating for civil liberties.[4][5]
On July 19, 2024, Parenti announced she is abandoning her re-election bid after winning the Democratic primary for her district the prior month. Reports quoted Parenti as stating, "I cannot continue to serve while maintaining my own sense of integrity." She placed the blame on special interests and personal agendas for making it too difficult for her to continue to serve in the State House. She will serve out what remains of her term. A Democratic vacancy committee will name a replacement.[6][7]
Tenure
editAs of the 2023 legislative session, Parenti is a member of the Joint Technology, Transportation, Housing & Local Government and Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources committee.[8]
Personal life
editParenti is an Air Force veteran. She has two children.[9][4]
References
edit- ^ a b "Jennifer Parenti". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- ^ a b https://www.parentiforcolorado.com/jennifer-s-story
- ^ Paul, Sandra Fish, Jesse (2022-11-16). "The eight Colorado legislative districts Democrats flipped from the GOP this year, from Colorado Springs to the Western Slope". The Colorado Sun. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "Colorado State House District 19 candidate Q&A". The Denver Post. 2022-10-14. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- ^ Dudley, David (2022-07-10). "The Heroes: Veterans of Boulder County". Yellow Scene Magazine. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- ^ Paul, Jesse; Fish, Sandra (July 19, 2024). "Democratic state rep drops reelection bid, may make it harder for party to keep Colorado House supermajority". The Colorado Sun. Archived from the original on July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ Birkeland, Bente (July 19, 2024). "Democratic state lawmaker gives up re-election bid, says serving in legislature incompatible with integrity". CPR News. Archived from the original on July 20, 2024. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
- ^ "Jennifer Lea Parenti | Colorado General Assembly". leg.colorado.gov. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
- ^ "Colorado House District 19: Jennifer Lea Parenti". Boulder Daily Camera. 2022-10-16. Retrieved 2023-04-20.
External links
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