Colorado State Sen. Rhonda Fields, a Democrat for Aurora, formally endorsed Matt Maillaro in the next year’s race for district attorney in the 18th Judicial District.

Maillaro, an assistant district attorney in the office, so far faces another Aurora Democrat, Amy Padden. John Kellner of Greenwood Village is the only Republican in the race to succeed Republican George Brauchler, who could not run again because of term limits. 

“Courage, accountability, fairness – these are the pillars of my public service career and the basis on which I evaluate all others seeking to serve our community through elected office,” Fields said in a statement. “Matt Maillaro embodies these traits in his dedication to meaningful criminal justice reform and to protecting victims of crime. I trust Matt to do the right thing, no matter how difficult the road. For all these reasons, I proudly endorse Matt Maillaro in this critical primary.”

Fields is a critical endorsement, as a leader on social justice issues at the state Capitol and in the community. Her son, Javad Marshall Fields, was murdered in 2005 with his fiancée, Vivian Wolfe, after he planned to testify in another murder case. Two gang members, Sir Mario Owens and Robert Ray, wait on death row because of the murders.

Fields co-sponsored bills to create universal background checks for gun purchases i Colorado and 15-round  limit on ammunition magazines in 2013.

Maillaro said he was honored to have Fields’ endorsement.

“Anyone who knows Rhonda Fields knows that she doesn’t back down from a tough fight,” he said in a statement. “She displayed this when she stood up to the NRA and helped sponsor Colorado’s gun safety legislation. She is also a true champion for crime victims – she has fought for our children, for victims of sexual assault, and racial justice. Her impact goes well outside the Capitol – as a community member and mother, Senator Fields has been on the front lines of many difficult discussions.

“I look forward to working with Senator Fields as we pursue real justice for Aurora and the 18th Judicial District.”