CU Regent Lesley Smith announces campaign for HD49 state rep

Olivia Doak, Daily Camera, Boulder, Colo.
·2 min read

Apr. 6—University of Colorado Regent Lesley Smith has announced she is running to be House District 49's next state representative.

Lesley spent 30 years as a scientist and educator at CU Boulder, served on the Boulder Valley School Board for eight years, was the first woman aquanaut in the underwater Aquarius research facility and serves as CU Boulder Regent at-Large.

"As your next state representative, I will fight to protect our climate and our public lands. I will prioritize education, affordability, the environment and use a scientific approach to help solve our pressing challenges. I have served the community for over 30 years and am dedicated to the fight to take power back from special interest groups and corporations and put it into the hands of the people, where it belongs," Smith said in a news release.

"Lesley Smith is a dedicated public servant for our community, never afraid to tackle a tough issue," Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett said. "As a representative, I know she will work hard to protect our climate and champion public education. I am proud to support Lesley for HD49."

Smith graduated from UC Santa Barbara and earned her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland. As a CU Regent, Lesley oversaw the hiring of new CU Boulder president Todd Saliman, worked to ensure that CU Boulder included sustainability in the system-wide strategic plan, developed the first Land Acknowledgement for the CU system and successfully lobbied the legislature to allow CU Boulder to grant in-state tuition for any out-of-state students that have tribal ties to Colorado.

"From her groundbreaking work in the scientific field to her dedication to education in Colorado, Lesley Smith is driven to find progressive solutions to problems and fights to improve the lives of those she represents. Lesley's experience, drive and compassion make her the right choice for HD49," Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt said.

Smith served as the vice-chair of the board during COVID-19 and became the first Democratic chair of the CU Boulder Regent Board in 2022. Lesley and her husband reside in Boulder. For more information, visit LesleyforCO.com.