BOLD PAC, the political arm of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has endorsed U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in the Denver Democrat’s bid for a 13th term representing the 1st Congressional District.

Calling DeGette a “tireless representative,” the PAC’s chairman, U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas of California, said in a statement: “From healthcare to immigration reform, she has worked for families of all backgrounds and creeds. Diana wants everyone to succeed in this country. With allies like Diana in Congress, I am convinced that we will overcome the challenges our country faces with ingenuity, compassion and determination.”

DeGette is facing a primary challenge from former Colorado House Speaker Crisanta Duran, who was the first Latina speaker in state history.

U.S. Rep. Nanette Barragán of California, a BOLD PAC board member, said: “From the moment I arrived in Congress, Diana has been a friend and mentor, helping me navigate and better understand the inner-workings of Capitol Hill. She was instrumental in my efforts to become the first Latina in 10 years to secure a seat on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, the same committee on which she also serves.”

A spokeswoman for Duran’s campaign said the candidate had no comment on the endorsement. 

DeGette and Duran have been trotting out endorsements nearly a year before the June 2020 primary.

Duran has the backing of former U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar and former Denver Mayor Federico Peña – both former cabinet secretaries – and Denver Board of Education Vice President Barbara O’Brien, a former Colorado lieutenant governor.

In its endorsement of DeGette, BOLD PAC joins her fellow congressional delegation members U.S. Reps. Ed Perlmutter, Joe Neguse and Jason Crow; former Gov. Dick Lamm and his wife, Dottie; former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and his wife, former state Rep. Wilma Webb; and more than a dozen current and former state lawmakers.