Colorado State Rep. Jennifer Parenti announced on Friday that she is halting her reelection bid in House District 19, which covers parts of Boulder and Weld counties. In the letter announcing her departure, Parenti cited the prevalence of “personal agendas and special interests” in the legislature. 

Parenti, a Democrat from Erie, said she will finish out the remainder of her term, which ends in January. An Air Force veteran and former NATO employee, she was elected to office in 2022.

“I cannot continue to serve while maintaining my own sense of integrity, she said. “The two are simply incompatible.”

Parenti expressed hope that a more diverse legislature would have brought about a new culture, but she said that hasn’t been the case.    

“Unfortunately, personal agendas and special interests are still being rewarded at the expense of our districts, each other and the integrity of the body in which we serve,” she said. “That these challenges are not new to Colorado politics is, for me, an insufficient excuse not to prioritize addressing them. We can do better.”

In the statement, Parenti said she is proud of the work her office has accomplished in elevating issues important in House District 19, including housing and transportation, championing consumer protections, supporting democracy and the environment and reducing gun violence.

“And I am truly grateful for all the members of this community who supported me throughout the campaign and my time in the legislature,” she said.

Parenti was set to face Repubulican Dan Woog in the November election. She defeated Woog in 2022.

“Regardless of who my opponent is, I remain committed to working tirelessly to represent all residents of my district and the state of Colorado,” said Woog in response to Parenti leaving the race. “My campaign has always been about restoring common sense to the State Capitol and advocating for hardworking people and struggling families who have been left behind. As a former State Representative, I bring valuable experience in building relationships and collaborating to benefit our state and will continue this dedication as your next State Representative. I wish Representative Jennifer Parenti the best and thank her for her service in the Colorado State House.”

With her exit from the race, a vacancy committee will select a replacement candidate to appear on the general election ballot.