A Democratic vacancy committee in Arapahoe County on Monday night chose Rep. Iman Jodeh of Aurora to succeed state Sen. Janet Buckner.

Buckner resigned last month, just weeks after winning an uncontested race for her second term in the state Senate.

Jodeh, who won her third term in the House by 25 percentage points in November, defeated two challengers for the seat, including Maya Wheeler and Christian Caldwell. Jodeh won with 35 votes out of 42 cast; Wheeler got seven votes, and Caldwell did not receive any votes.

The evening began with an hour-long candidates’ forum, including questions from the vacancy committee and moderated by Aurora City Councilwoman Allison Coombs. In a question on handling the state budget shortfall, both Jodeh and Wheeler spoke about the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Wheeler said she would look to reduce non-essential services, seek a moratorium on new initiatives, reach into the state’s rainy-day fund, or look for “revenue increases,” including more restrictions on TABOR.

Jodeh said she would safeguard public education and public safety, advocate for a review of state agencies for efficiencies, look for outdated, redundant programs, increase revenue through workforce development, attract new business, and seek a repeal of TABOR.

Candidates also spoke about how they would work across the aisle, protect migrant communities from mass deportation, and protect Coloradans from the Trump agenda.

Wheeler pointed to existing laws, such as an immigrant legal defense fund and anti-profiling laws. She said she would work on a path to citizenship for immigrants and ensure stable housing for them. She did not speak about President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on Jan. 20.

Caldwell also pointed to existing laws but noted that he has family members who are undocumented. “I empathize with the community,” he said, but he does not have a big idea on immigration since that’s a federal issue. He also did not speak about Trump but called out the “fictional” stories about Aurora’s immigration problems.

Jodeh said that to protect migrant communities, state policy must strengthen sanctuary policies and support DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). She also called for job training and language classes to ensure the state can block harmful federal mandates. She noted that she is married to an immigrant, Maytham Alshadood, who previously worked for U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Aurora.

In his closing remarks, Caldwell said what’s best for the community is not another vacancy committee, which would happen if Jodeh was chosen.

Another vacancy committee for House District 41 will have to select a replacement for Jodeh. Thus, the number of current lawmakers who obtained their legislative seats at some point in their careers through the vacancy process will be at least 21.

“Choices are how we make sure we have the best people,” Jodeh said in her final remarks.

Wheeler said she brings a practical, community-centered set of experiences to the position and would bring the same perspective as Sen. Buckner.

It was then on to the main event: electing a new senator.

The vacancy committee is made up of precinct officers, current elected Democrats in the General Assembly (Buckner and Jodeh), precinct organizers, and precinct captains. There are 45 members in total, 43 of whom were in attendance. One person did not vote.

Voting was done by a Survey Monkey ballot, with a majority vote — 50% plus one — to determine the winner.

Jodeh’s nomination was made by House Majority Leader Monica Duran and seconded by former state Rep. Su Ryden.

There were no other nominations.

Tomorrow, Democrats in Denver’s Senate District 31 will choose a successor for Sen. Chris Hansen, who resigned effective Jan. 9. Last month, he was named CEO of La Plata Electric.