Auon’tai Anderson, one of six Democrats running for the House District 8 seat held by term-limited Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, announced Tuesday he’s dropping out of the race in order to “(preserve) Black political power in the state Capitol.”

Anderson said he is launching a nonprofit, instead. 

Anderson said the district has been a symbol of Black leadership in the legislature for four decades. In addition to Herod, Rosemary Marshall and Penfield Tate have represented the district.

But Anderson said the district’s primary race attracted multiple Black candidates, which he could divide votes and lead to the “loss of Black representation.”  

“The 2024 elections present a critical juncture where we risk losing this historically Black seat due to a highly contested primary featuring multiple Black candidates. Such scenarios have historically led to the division of votes, often resulting in the loss of Black representation,” he said. “To avoid repeating this pattern and to prioritize the preservation of Black political power in the state capitol, I have decided to suspend my campaign for the Democratic nomination for Colorado House District 8.”

Anderson also added: “This decision transcends my personal aspirations and reflects my commitment to the community and maintaining Black representation in our legislature.”

Anderson, who was first elected to the Denver Public School Board in 2019, chose not not to run for reelection, instead moving to run for the open HD8 seat.

Anderson jumped into the HD8 primary last June at the same time he announced he would not seek a second term on the Denver Public Schools board.

His fundraising has been lackluster compared to some of the other candidates. 

Lindsay Gilchrist, who filed to run at about the same time, raised more than $50,000 for the race. Victor Bencomo, who filed in November 2022, secured just over $20,000. 

Anderson’s coffers are at a distant third, with $3,438 raised.

Even with Anderson dropping out, the HD8 race remains crowded. The candidates include Bencomo, who is Latino, Gilchrist, who is White, and Sharron Pettiford and Kwon Atlas, who are both Black. Pettiford has raised $2,332; Atlas has brought in just over $400.

The race has also drawn one unaffiliated candidate, Dylan Morgan, who has yet to report any campaign contributions.

House District 8 is the safest Democratic seat in the General Assembly with a 74.4% Democratic advantage, according to the 2021 redistricting commission.

Anderson, who was the youngest person ever elected to the Denver Public Schools board and whose tenure on the board was contentious, said he is starting the nonprofit organization, the Center for Advancing Black Excellence in Education.

Anderson said the nonprofit, which will focus on education, is going to be “deeply dedicated to uplifting Black communities through the power of education.” It will be based on three core pillars – educating future leaders, advocating for systemic changes in education, and celebrating our communities through philanthropic giving.” Anderson said he is seeking $30,000 to launch the center.

Joining him in the effort will be state Rep. Regina English, D-Colorado Springs; Michelle Quattlebaum, a member of the DPS board; and, MiDian Homes, CEO of the Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership, who will serve as the board chair.

Anderson also noted support for his nonprofit from House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon and Senate President Pro tem James Coleman, both of Denver.

Anderson was investigated for inappropriate behavior with school students. The third-party investigation said the most serious claims were unfounded, but pointed to “flirtatious” social media contact with a female student. That led to a censure from the DPS board in 2021.