Anderson for Colorado — House District 8
"Auon'tai's commitment to fostering equity in Colorado's House District 8 is unparalleled. His dedication to bridging the gap between education and legislation is not just commendable but essential. I wholeheartedly endorse Auon'tai because he represents the change we need — a leader who understands the intricacies of our education system and is committed to making it work for every student."
Devin Del Palacio, Chairman, National Black Council of School Boards
"Auon'tai is a young man on a mission. His purpose in life is to ensure that every family in Colorado has a chance at the American Dream. While he has endured things others have not, he continues to fight for the people. I am proud to endorse Auon'tai Anderson for House District 8."
Wanda James, CU Regent
Editorial note: The phrase "endured things others have not" is a veiled reference to Anderson's public controversies, including his censure and the sexual misconduct investigation. James is also a client of Anderson's Good Trouble Consulting firm.
"It's simple because he gives a damn!"
Bruce Franks Jr., Former Missouri State Representative
"Auon'tai has a zeal for bringing difficult conversations to the forefront and working collaboratively to find solutions. His experience on the Denver School Board has given him a unique perspective on the intersection of education and legislative policy."
Justin Brooks, Mayor of Erie, Colorado
"I've watched Auon'tai grow from a student activist into one of the most effective advocates for Denver families. He showed up when it mattered — in our schools, at our community meetings, and in the halls of DPS. He doesn't just talk about change; he builds it from the ground up. House District 8 would be lucky to have someone who cares this deeply about our children's futures."
MiDian Holmes, DPS Community Leader
"Auon'tai has been an amazing friend and an even better advocate for young people. He understands that when you fight for kids, you fight for the future. I'm proud to support him."
Mari Copeny, National Youth Activist ("Little Miss Flint")
"Auon'tai is an exceptionally courageous leader. He has demonstrated time and again that he is willing to take bold stands on behalf of working families and students who are too often left behind. His voice is needed in the State House."
Dr. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, Education Leader
Editorial note: Both Quattlebaum and Esserman are also clients of Anderson's Good Trouble Consulting firm. Esserman's campaign made $1,000 biweekly payments to the firm beginning in August 2021.
Editorial note: The majority of these national endorsers are school board members from outside Colorado — including Arizona, Missouri, New York, Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Most have no direct connection to House District 8 or Colorado politics.
An examination of Anderson's endorsement list reveals several patterns worth noting:
The largest single category of endorsers consists of school board members from outside Colorado — Arizona, Missouri, New York, Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Jersey, and Connecticut. These endorsers have no constituent stake in House District 8 and appear to be drawn from Anderson's network through the National Black Council of School Boards and his Good Trouble Consulting contacts. The volume of out-of-state endorsements contrasts sharply with the thin roster of in-district support.
Several of Anderson's most prominent endorsers — including Wanda James (CU Regent), Michelle Quattlebaum (DPS Board), Scott Esserman (DPS Board), Leslie Summey (Arapahoe County Commissioner), Shontel M. Lewis (Denver City Council), and Dr. Regina English (State Representative) — are also documented clients of his Good Trouble Consulting firm. This raises questions about whether endorsements were offered independently or as part of a reciprocal professional relationship.
Despite Anderson's years in Denver politics, the list includes remarkably few sitting Colorado state legislators or current Denver elected officials. Dr. Regina English is the only sitting state representative listed. Andy Kerr is a former state senator. Candi CdeBaca is a former city councilwoman. The absence of current Colorado Democratic leadership is conspicuous for a candidate running for a state house seat — particularly one who claims the title "The Honorable" and positions himself as a party insider.
Endorsement list preserved from Anderson's campaign website. For more on Good Trouble Consulting, see Meet Auon'tai. For the full accounting of controversies, see Controversies.