Congressional District 4
I’m John Padora, and I’m a proud Democrat running to represent Colorado’s fourth congressional district. I believe that with a new candidate, and a new message that reaches all Coloradans in our district, we can win this seat and take back the House majority. We deserve a representative who listens to the hardworking Coloradans who are struggling to just get by and fight for us to bring meaningful, equitable change. Republicans have proven time and time again that they’re not up to the task, and the stakes are only higher now that Lauren Boebert has jumped into our race. We need a representative who will fight for tax reform on the ultra-wealthy, living wages for the working class, and equitable access to healthcare, which includes federally codifying the right to choose. Our district is unique with its urban sprawl and rural plains, and we need a representative who understands these unique dynamics. Our rural communities, the very ones that feed and fuel our entire country, deserve the same relief we give to Big Ag, access to clean water and access to broadband. I believe that every hardworking Coloradan deserves the right to a dignified life, and I will fight to protect that right.
Candidate Responses
1: Strongly Disagree
2: Somewhat Disagree
3: Does Not Apply to the Position
4: Somewhat Agree
5: Strongly Agree
Yes, some.
Yes, entirely.
- Economic Policy, Job Creation and Social Justice
- Energy, Environment, and Climate
- Rural Infrastructure
Do you believe that healthcare is a human right?
Will you support the expansion of Medicaid and the Colorado Health Care Option to cover more uninsured and underinsured Coloradans?
Will you create/support policy to address the rising costs of prescription drugs and medical services?
Do you support access to comprehensive health care that includes reproductive freedom for people with uteruses?
Will you ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to education, employment, health care, and social services in Colorado?
Do you support the separation of church and state and the protection of religious freedom for all faiths and beliefs?
Will you fight to address and correct the systemic racism and discrimination that affects communities of color in Colorado?
Will you ensure that LGBTQ+ Coloradans are treated with dignity and respect in all aspects of society?
How will you protect and expand the civil rights and liberties of all Coloradans?
As the CD4 representative, not only will I vote in favor of legislation that will protect and expand the civil rights and liberties of all Coloradans, such as the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and updating the Registry Act of 1929, but I will also use my bully pulpit to speak out against the violations of civil rights and liberties of the countless Coloradans who experience these injustices.
Cost of living, housing costs, and homelessness were the top issues in a recent Colorado Polling Institute Poll. What would you propose to remedy and address these issues?
I believe that housing is a human right and will work with others in Congress to ensure that our country lives up to this value. Additionally, I will voice my support with efforts at our state capital that align with this value such as the “For Cause Eviction” legislation currently being considered by our state legislators.
Do you support workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, and earn a living wage?
Will you work to reform the tax system to make it more progressive and fair?
Will you fight to fully fund public schools?
Will you fight to ensure that every child has access to early childhood education, universal pre-K, and full-day kindergarten?
Will you advocate for the expansion of public higher education opportunities and affordability?
How will you support the implementation of high academic standards and assessments that measure critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
Answering this question is difficult. Traditional standardized test have been shown to have serious racial, gender, and class biases. So, when it comes to assessing the success of our students, I believe there is no better judge of their accomplishments than those who work with them daily, their teachers.
Will you combat the climate crisis and advocate for renewable energy?
Will you protect Colorado’s water quality and quantity, especially in the face of drought and population growth?
Will you fight to preserve and enhance Colorado’s public lands, wildlife, and biodiversity?
Will you promote environmental justice and ensure that all communities have a healthy and safe environment?
What is your position on the current immigration policies and practices of the United States?
Given current obstacles to creating a pathway to citizenship, I support updating the Registry Act of 1929 with a rolling date to ensure those who have been in our country can stay in our county.
How will you ensure that the state of Colorado is ready and robust to face the threats of natural disasters, cyberattacks, terrorism, and foreign aggression?
I will work with policy experts and my colleagues to ensure that Colorado has robust systems in place to handle the obstacles mentioned above.
How will you ensure that Colorado is a state with social and economic safeguards to maintain a decent standard of living and adequate nutrition for our aging population?
I will work to protect and expand current programs that support our senior community, such as Medicare and Social Security.
