As Democrats prepare to select 2025 House leadership on Monday, the biggest battle appears to be for assistant majority leader. Rep. Jennifer Bacon of Denver, who currently holds that seat, is expected to face a challenge from Rep. Andrew Boesenecker of Fort Collin, a co-whip of the House Democrats.

More than 200 members of the Black community are lining up to support Bacon, sending a letter in support. A statement accompanying the letter said the challenge “underscores deeper systemic issues that Black women leaders confront in politics today. In response, this coalition urges the Democratic caucus to stand with Representative Bacon, emphasizing the vital importance of supporting Black women in leadership roles.”

None of the other five House members of the Black Caucus signed the letter. Auon’tai M. Anderson, a former Denver Public School Board member, who was among the letter’s authors said their omission was by design.

Sen. Rhonda Fields of Aurora, who was elected to the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, is among the 200 signatories of the letter. Former House Speaker Terrance Carroll of Denver, the only Black member of the House to serve as Speaker, is also among the signatories.

“We are asking otherwise good people to recognize that supporting Black women in leadership, especially in times like these, is a deliberate act that requires courage and commitment,” the letter stated. “Supporting Representative Jennifer Bacon is not just about backing a qualified leader; it’s about lifting up a voice that represents communities historically excluded from these roles.”

The letter also drew comparisons to Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, stating, “Both leaders have faced scrutiny that often transcends policy or qualifications and delves into issues of race and gender. These challenges reflect a broader societal pattern where Black women in leadership must frequently contend with heightened expectations and undue scrutiny.”

Bacon is the first Black lawmaker to hold a major leadership role in the Colorado House Democratic caucus since the 2019-20 session when then-Rep. Janet Buckner of Aurora was the caucus chair. She, however, is not the only member of color in leadership. Majority Leader Monica Duran is Hispanic; Rep. Iman Jodeh of Aurora, a Palestinian-American who caucuses with the Black Caucus, is the other co-whip of House Democrats. Rep. Mandy Lindsay of Aurora, caucus co-chair, is Latina.

Boesenecker did not respond to an email for comment.

Democrats will also select a new Speaker Pro Tempore during Monday’s elections since Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy of Lakewood was term-limited.