Leveling Up Denver: Why We Should All Lighten Up About Politics

Let’s face it: political drama fever is at an all-time high in 2024. Every election has a dramatic voice-over: “In a world where one candidate could destroy everything…” It’s as if we’re always just one vote away from the apocalypse, complete with dinosaurs, fire-breathing dragons, and—why not?—zombies.

But here’s the reality: no matter who wins—whether it’s me or Congresswoman DeGette—Denver won’t be swallowed by a black hole. People will still complain about the Broncos, and Gary Lake will still say, “This used to be a cow town.”

Now, let’s talk about what it really means to “Level Up Denver.”

It’s not about finding a hero to make all our decisions. It’s not about becoming so divided that we reject common sense just to keep our political identity intact. It’s about true inclusiveness: allowing everyone to speak, listening thoughtfully, and deciding if their ideas make sense.

Simple, right?

I’m a different kind of candidate… mainly because I’m not a politician. I’m a blue-collar worker. Until I decided to run for Congress, few people cared about my opinion on budgets, healthcare, or Social Security.

So when politicians say they care about your voice, let’s stop pretending we believe them.

Be honest: Social Security isn’t exactly a hot topic at parties—unless you’re trying to clear the room.

Have you ever heard anyone say, “I fully support raiding the Social Security Trust Fund for anonymous government programs”?

And taxes?

Nobody worries about what others pay; they’re focused on their tax bill and where their money is going.

So, what makes me truly different?

Last Saturday, my volunteers and I did something bold: we went on a pub crawl in downtown Denver. We met people, made friends, and shared a few laughs over food and drinks.

Because, honestly, there’s more to life than politics.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Did they really campaign over a pint?”

Yes, we did.

But it wasn’t just about the beer—it was about breaking the political bubble, meeting people where they least expected it, and engaging in genuine conversations. Not all voters are sipping coffee at campaign events; some are enjoying IPAs in LoDo or cocktails in RiNo on a Saturday night.

If politics stays stuck in stuffy rooms and scripted speeches, we’ll never get anywhere.

Real people don’t live in political ads; they live in neighborhoods and hang out at local spots. And if a good local brew can’t help us navigate the Social Security Trust Fund, then what can?

So, let’s stop treating this election like the end of days.

I want to win NOT because I think Denver will be destroyed without me, but because I believe I can lead Denver to a brighter future.

My vision is bold, innovative, and practical: I want to protect the Social Security Trust Fund, advocate for legislation that supports homeownership benefits and rental assistance, and increase federal funding for local law enforcement while fostering partnerships with federal agencies to ensure safety for everyone in District One.

Together, we can Level Up Denver—with less drama, more solutions, and a whole lot of common sense.