Tony Exum Sr. is back at the Capitol, and his mission hasn’t changed:

“It’s really no different: I’m going to do whatever I can to improve the quality of life for the folks who live in my district,” said the former battalion chief for the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

The Democrat took back the job he lost to Kit Roupe in 2014. He lost that race by 1.9 percent but won easily, by 7.76 percent in unofficial returns, Tuesday.

“If I have an opportunity to improve the legislation that I was able to sponsor in ’13 and ’14 on the childcare tax credit, breakfast after the bell, helping those living on the street get their (Social Security) application and firefighter grants,” he said outside the Capitol in Denver Thursday afternoon. “Those were the most important, but there are others-education is important, job training, taking care of our veterans.

“Where my heart is is taking care of the poor, helping those who are marginalized and making sure we respect our elders.”

Most politicians drop out after a loss, but Exum bounced back to take back his job.

“It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about the people you serve. You’re reminded of that when you see the legislation you sponsored is helping other people, and that’s what I wanted to do.”