DENVER, CO – The Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) and the Colorado Education Association (CEA) released its recommendations for the upcoming 2026 general election, which will take place on Tuesday, November 3.
DCTA’s nearly 4,000 members are urging Denver voters to prioritize public education by supporting local and statewide ballot measures that increase funding for our schools, as well as candidates who will champion and protect public education, stand up to corporate special interests, and help make life more affordable for working families.
“This November, Colorado voters will have the opportunity to elect candidates who champion our public schools and make important decisions about public education funding at both the state and local levels,” said Rob Gould, special education teacher and DCTA president.
“As educators who work closest to students, we believe every child deserves a great public school close to home with the resources they need to reach their full potential. That means safe, fully funded neighborhood schools where students, schools, families, educators, and community are supported, respected, and welcomed regardless of race, identity, socioeconomic status, or ZIP code.
“Denver voters have two opportunities this year to increase funding that will go directly to our public schools,” said Erica Atchison, special education teacher, DPS parent, and DCTA Fund Member. “That’s why we’re proud to recommend a YES vote on both the Proposition NN, and Denver ballot measure 4A, the DPS Mill Levy Override.
“I am a parent to two DPS students, so 4A is deeply personal to me. My own child has not had the same school psychologist from one year to the next because of staffing and budget constraints. He is a child who needs strong, trusting relationships to be successful.
“As a special education teacher, I see every day how much students depend on consistent access to teachers, specialists, paraprofessionals, mental health professionals, and other support staff. When schools do not have enough resources, students feel it through larger class sizes, fewer services, and less access to the people they rely on. We know students’ learning conditions and educators’ working conditions are connected. When schools can keep experienced staff, provide consistent support, and give educators the resources they need to do their jobs well, students benefit.
This November, students, educators, families, and communities are depending on your vote to champion our children and the dedicated individuals who support them every day.
DCTA and CEA endorses the following candidates for statewide and local office:
Statewide Office
- Phil Weiser, Governor
- Amanda Gonzalez, Secretary of State
- Jeff Bridges, Treasurer
- Jena Griswold, Attorney General
- John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senate
U.S. Congress
- Melat Kiros (CD 1)
State Board of Education
- Lisa Escárcega (CD 1)
State Senate
- Emily Sirota (SD 32)
- Chela Garcia Irlando (SD 34)
State House
- Javier Mabrey (HD 1)
- Scott Baldermann (HD 2)
- Gena Ozols (HD 3)
- Justine Sandoval (HD 5)
- Iris Halpern (HD 6)
- Jennifer Bacon (HD 7)
- Lindsay Gilchrist (HD 8)
- Monica VanBuskirk (HD 9)
DCTA and CEA recommends the following positions on local and statewide measures:
- YES on Prop NN – Keep and spend revenue for education
- YES on 4A – DPS Mill Levy Override
- YES on Amendment 87 – Establish a graduated income tax
- NO on Amendment 81 – Law enforcement reporting requirements to federal authorities
- NO on Amendment 82 – Right to Natural Gas
- NO on Amendment 83 – Right to Hunt/Fish
- NO on Amendment 84 – Mail Ballot Voter Identification
- NO on Amendment 85 – Plain language ballot questions & prohibition on legislation requiring specific language
- NO on Amendment 86 – Congressional Redistricting
- NO on Prop 132 – Penalties for fentanyl crimes
- NO on Prop 134 – Male and female participation in school sports
- NO on Prop 135 – Prohibit certain surgeries on minors
- NO on Prop 136 – Income Tax Rate Cap
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