Colorado State Senator Faith Winter, a Democrat representing Senate District 25, was killed Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 south of Denver. The 45-year-old lawmaker, who was entering her 12th and final year in the legislature due to term limits, died at the scene of the five-vehicle collision that occurred around 6 p.m. near Dry Creek Road in Arapahoe County.
Deputy John Bartmann of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that three other people were injured in the crash, though their conditions were not immediately released. The northbound lanes of Interstate 25 were closed for several hours as investigators worked to determine the cause of the collision, reopening just before midnight.
“The cause is going to take some time to figure out,” Bartmann said, according to reports from the scene. The investigation into what led to the deadly pileup remains ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the sequence of events that resulted in Winter’s death.
Governor Jared Polis announced Winter’s passing late Wednesday evening, ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff in her honor. In a statement, the governor said the state is “shaken” by Winter’s loss and called her a “fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate.” Polis noted he had known Winter for nearly 20 years, first as an organizer for environmental causes, then in her work expanding women’s representation in leadership, and finally as a state senator.
Winter, who represented Broomfield, Westminster, and Northglenn, was a mother of two children and was engaged to former state Representative Matt Gray, also a Democrat. Her family released a statement asking for privacy during this difficult time, emphasizing that Winter led with empathy and love in all aspects of her life.
A prominent voice on transportation and environmental policy, Winter served as chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee. She was also the assistant Senate majority leader in 2023, the third-highest-ranking position in the chamber. Her legislative career began in 2014 when she was first elected to the Colorado legislature, and she moved to the Senate in 2019. Before her state-level service, Winter served on the Westminster City Council from 2007 to 2015.
Senate President James Coleman and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, both Denver Democrats, expressed their devastation at Winter’s death. The Democratic leaders said Winter was a colleague whose presence brought warmth and an invaluable perspective to the Capitol, noting they would miss her leadership, partnership and deep commitment to Colorado.
Throughout her time in the legislature, Winter championed several significant policy initiatives. She played a key role in passing legislation that raised billions of dollars for transportation projects across Colorado by imposing new fees on gas and diesel fuel purchases, as well as on rideshare rides and deliveries. She also advocated for a ballot measure that created a government-run paid family and parental leave program, demonstrating her commitment to working families.
Winter’s impact extended beyond policy to workplace culture at the Capitol. In 2018, while serving in the state House of Representatives, she came forward with allegations of sexual harassment against a fellow Democratic lawmaker, Representative Steve Lebsock. The Colorado House voted to oust Lebsock largely because of Winter’s decision to speak about her experience. Her courage led the legislature to strengthen its workplace harassment policies and hire dedicated staff to handle complaints for the first time.
Colleagues remembered Winter not only for her legislative accomplishments but also for her personal warmth. She often brought her dog, Queso, to the Capitol, and her daughter sold Girl Scout cookies outside the House and Senate chambers. Those who worked with her noted she was quick to offer a hug to colleagues having a difficult day, while also being recognized as a skilled and tough policymaker, particularly on transportation and environmental issues.
House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran called Winter an exceptional legislator, a champion for working people, and a steadfast defender of the environment and abortion rights. They described her as a trailblazer who always fought for Colorado’s most vulnerable residents.
Winter faced personal challenges during her time in public office, including health struggles that tested her resilience. Despite these obstacles, she remained dedicated to her work representing the constituents of Senate District 25.
A Democratic vacancy committee will now determine who will fill Winter’s seat for the remainder of her term, which was set to be her final year due to term limits. Party officials indicated they would provide information about the vacancy process after taking time to grieve and process the loss.
Winter’s death has sent shockwaves through Colorado’s political community, with leaders from both parties expressing their condolences. The multi-vehicle crash that claimed her life serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of loss and the importance of the work that public servants dedicate their lives to accomplishing.