From First Generation to First in Line For us
Andrés Carrera is a first-generation American, the son of immigrants, and a proud gay man. He grew up in a family that survived on grit, hustle, and community. Starting at just age 15, he worked the fryer at Taco Bell and later the register at Long John Silver’s where he was the only person to speak both English and Spanish; helping to build connection and understanding even there. After college, he spent four years teaching English in China—broadening his perspective and deepening his belief in the American promise.
He came home to Colorado and got to work: rebuilding coalitions, expanding immigrant services, and leading on the issues that actually impact everyday families. Andrés isn’t running to play politics—he’s running to make government work again for the people who built this place.
“I’ve lived the struggle, led coalitions, and never stopped showing up. Now I’m ready to serve.”
Why Andrés Is Running
For SD 34
I’m a first-generation American, the son of immigrants, and a proud gay man. I grew up in a household where sacrifice wasn’t a slogan – it was how we survived. I grew up surrounded by activism and came to understand how folks who often need support the most can be the last people to be a part of the discussion. I taught English in China for four years and came home with a deeper appreciation for Colorado – and a stronger conviction that the government should work for the people who built this place.
I’m running for State Senate because I’ve lived the challenges so many of our neighbors still face: rent rising faster than paychecks, child care that’s out of reach, and a political system more interested in pointing fingers than solving problems.
When I walk around the district, I see a tale of two Denvers. In the south, there are chain link fences, uneven sidewalks, and over-burdened parents doing everything they can to make it work. In the north, there are strollers on wide sidewalks, renovated homes, and families who love where they live – but worry about what’s next. And across both, I see pride, resilience, and people who deserve a state that invests in them – not just in developers and insiders.
Community
Home ownership is out of reach for too many of us. We’ve got to tackle the issue from multiple angles to solve our housing and affordability crisis in a sustainable way.
Collaboration
Working to help our local businesses with access to capital to start and build their family’s dream is a path to prosperity for both our district and our state.
We are a district of firsts
It’s a place where working people, immigrants, and strivers have made the impossible possible – not because it was easy, but because they never gave up. I’m running to protect that legacy – and to make sure the next generation of “firsts” doesn’t have to leave the district just to afford it.
The Next First Starts Here.
I didn’t get into this work to manage decline – I got into it to rewrite the rules for working people, small business owners, immigrants, and anyone fighting to stay rooted in the neighborhoods they love. I’m running to expand union trade programs, build housing for grocery clerks and janitors – not just real estate investors – and create pathways for small businesses to thrive, not just survive.
And yes, I’m running to take on the politics of division. The Trump-era culture wars and scapegoating have hurt our communities long enough. I won’t waste your time with outrage. I’ll spend every ounce of energy delivering results: lowering costs, growing opportunity, and restoring dignity to public service.
If you believe this district deserves someone who’s lived the struggle, built coalitions, and never stopped showing up – I’m ready to serve.
Because whether you live in Westwood, Loretta Heights, or Sunnyside, whether your family’s been here for five generations or five months – we all want the same things: a decent job, a safe neighborhood, and a future that feels like it belongs to us.
Let’s build that future – together.
