Andrés CarreraCandidate

Andrés Carrera

State SenateDemocrat

CO-SD34 State Senate

Mexican-American·Former Political Director for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston

Why This Race Matters

Andrés Carrera is running against Graciela Garcia Irlando (D); Michael Guzman (D) -- Democratic primary.

This open seat race is for Julie Gonzales's SD-34 seat, which is becoming vacant because Gonzales is running for U.S. Senate against incumbent John Hickenlooper. The three-way Democratic primary in this heavily Democratic Denver district will effectively decide the next senator. Carrera is the leading fundraiser with $69,059 and is endorsed by all four living former Denver mayors.

SD-34 covers North and West Denver. Carrera has been involved in Colorado politics since 2009, starting as an intern for Sen. Michael Bennet. His trilingual abilities (English, Spanish, Mandarin) reflect the diverse constituency of the district. Also endorsed by former Lt. Gov. Joseph Garcia and State Reps. Shannon Bird and Sean Camacho.

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 30, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

First-generation American, son and grandson of Mexican immigrants, and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. At 32, Carrera brings experience from the state legislature, city hall, and county government. His father Mario was recruited to Denver to run a Spanish-language television station, and his grandparents worked as janitors, upholsterers, and seamstresses. Carrera is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, having spent four years teaching English in China before entering Colorado politics.

Family & Heritage

First-generation American and the first child in his family born in the U.S. Son and grandson of Mexican immigrants. Father Mario was recruited to Denver to run a Spanish-language television station. Grandfather left Chihuahua, Mexico for a better life and worked his whole life as a janitor; grandmother was a seamstress. Proud openly gay man.

Political Career

Before Politics

English teacher in China (4 years); Taco Bell and Long John Silver's fry cook/cashier (served as unofficial Spanish interpreter); Intern for U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (2009); Denver metro regional director for U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper; Deputy Director of Community Engagement for Governor Jared Polis (May 2022-Aug 2023); Political Director for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston; Senior Advisor for Outreach and Engagement, Denver Arts and Venues

Education

B.A. in International Studies from Colorado State University, Fort Collins (served as editor-in-chief of school newspaper)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Reduce cost of rent, groceries, home buying, and childcare
*Expand Senior Homestead Tax Exemption to cut property taxes in half
*Restore safety to Downtown Denver
*Make healthcare affordable and protect Medicare/Medicaid
*Expand community colleges and trade schools
*Lower tuition costs
*Defend Colorado against Project 2025 Agenda

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