Speaker of the House KC Becker, D-Boulder, has endorsed one of the two Democratic candidates who hope to succeed her in House District 13.

Becker, who is term-limited, announced Wednesday she will back Judy Amabile, a small business owner who founded the Boulder-based company Polar Bottle.

In her endorsement, Becker said she had been reluctant to wade into an endorsement for her seat. However, “Judy has done an outstanding job on the campaign trail and offers so much to the residents of HD 13 that I think it’s important to let voters know more about her. Her experience as a mom, small business owner, and mental health advocate gives her a depth of perspective that will be invaluable to HD 13 and the legislature as a whole.”

Amabile said Becker’s legacy of service “sets the standard for hard work, vision and leadership. Running to represent the best district in Colorado and receiving KC’s endorsement is truly an honor,” Amabile said.

Amabile has been endorsed by a host of Democratic leaders, including former U.S. Rep. David Skaggs, CU Regent Lesley Smith, Attorney General Phil Weiser and Reps. Edie Hooton, D-Boulder, and Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, as well as a long list of elected officials in Boulder County.

Amabile also founded Good Business Colorado, one of the few business backers of the proposed family and medical leave program. 

Amabile’s opponent, Lisa Smith, announced her intent to run in June of 2019. Her website lists the endorsements of former Boulder County mayors and Boulder city council members as well as environmental activists. She has not yet responded to a request for comment.