On November 26, 2025, Colorado State Senator Faith Winter died in a car crash on Interstate 25, south of Denver, Colorado. The 45-year-old Democrat from Broomfield, Colorado, was the sole fatal casualty in the collision that occurred near Dry Creek Road in Arapahoe County.
Following Winter’s untimely passing, State Representative William Lindstedt was sworn in to fill her Senate District 25 seat on January 5, 2026. Lindstedt’s appointment by Governor Jared Polis came after a vacancy committee selected him in December. Because the vacancy committee failed to submit the required paperwork by the statutory deadline, Colorado law required Governor Polis to formally appoint Lindstedt on December 30, 2025.
In his first senatorial address, Lindstedt committed to prioritizing clean air and water protection, public school funding, Medicaid safeguarding, and defense against federal government overreach. He will serve out Winter’s term, which concludes in early 2027.
A contested Democratic primary is scheduled for June 30, 2026, where he will face Thomas Klenow. The general election is set for November 3, 2026. Former State Representative Shannon Bird originally filed to run for the seat but withdrew, resigning from the Colorado Legislature on January 5, 2026, to focus full-time on her campaign for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District in the June 30, 2026, primary.
Winter was involved in the second of two successive crashes, colliding with the rear of a Ford F-350 flatbed truck that had halted in the left lane after the first accident. Injured parties were taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Winter, in her final term, represented Senate District 25, which includes parts of Broomfield, Westminster, and Northglenn, Colorado. Before her state Senate tenure, she served as a representative in the Colorado House of Representatives. As the chair of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee, Winter was known for her strong advocacy for transit expansion and environmental policy. She also held the role of assistant Senate majority leader.
Winter is survived by her two children and her fiancé, Matt Gray, a Democrat and former state representative. Her family announced her passing and requested privacy. Winter was fond of bringing her dog, Queso, to the Capitol with her.
Governor Jared Polis, who had known Winter for two decades, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the senator after learning of her death. Polis recognized Winter as a passionate advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, families, and the environment.
Democratic Senate President James Coleman and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, both from Denver, expressed profound sadness over the loss of their colleague Winter.
House Speaker Julie McCluskie and House Majority Leader Monica Duran lauded Winter as an exceptional legislator and champion for the working class.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office determined that Winter was at fault in the fatal accident. The Arapahoe County Coroner’s Office’s toxicology reports revealed that Winter had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.185% at the time of the crash, over twice the legal limit of 0.08% in Colorado.
A memorial service for Winter was held on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol on December 5.