I am thrilled to announce that Jesse LaShawn Parris is running for Colorado State House Representative for House District 8 in the upcoming election on November 5, 2024.

Background in Politics: Jesse LaShawn Parris is a Northeast Denver resident of over 20 years and a 3rd Generation Denverite. He has previously run for Mayor and City Council At Large, demonstrating his commitment to public service and the betterment of our community.

​

Previous Mayoral Run and Loss:

In the mayoral race, Jesse faced a devastating loss that he and his family have grieved deeply. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Jesse has remained resilient and committed to serving the community. He has learned from his past experiences and is determined to avoid the powerful chess moves that have hindered his previous campaigns.

​

Vision for House District 8:

Jesse is pleased to represent a strong and confident leadership voice that this district has been lacking for years. He is committed to effecting redress and correcting the changes that previous seat holders have enacted on the district. Jesse believes that the state of the district speaks for itself, and he is eager to bring about positive change.

Community Involvement:

Jesse LaShawn Parris is an active voice in city council, often being very direct in his advocacy. He has attended many protests addressing the harm done to Black people through systemic racism and police brutality. With the help of Denver Homeless Out Loud, now named House Key Action Network, Jesse has housed eight people and has been a staunch defender of what he refers to as "unhoused neighbors," advocating against police sweeps and for a housing-first approach. His critical stance on the new mayor highlights issues such as increasing homelessness and neglect of long-term residents in favor of newcomers.

Personal Commitment:

Jesse has lived experience dealing with mental health issues and addiction, both personally and within his community. He has witnessed firsthand how the mental health care system often exacerbates problems instead of solving them, funneling millions with no real solutions. Jesse has helped people transition from homelessness to stability, including his partner, who has overcome significant health challenges and now aspires to be a future leader thanks to Jesse's advocacy and structured discipline.

Response to Shaming and Disrespect:

We have noticed the amount of shaming and disrespect directed at Jesse LaShawn Parris since announcing his candidacy for this seat. It is part of the role of opposition to tear down his run for this seat. However, Jesse understands that it's not him that the dominant society and the pillars of the Democratic party are truly upset with. Changing the root causes of the pain the city is in will affect funding to revolving issues such as crime, poverty, drugs, guns, and the illusion of reform and inclusivity. Being owned, blind, deaf, and passive keeps the people exactly where the powers that be want them... at the bottom begging for change. This seat offers a chance to stand up, work hard, and correct everything, including long, drawn-out languages of bills that are meant to be confusing. Upon his win, Jesse will be elated to work with the city council members in this district to better it.

​

Challenges in District 8:

House District 8 has been ethnically cleansed and gentrified, leaving many Black residents unhoused, unemployed, and beligerently ignored in favor of other pressing issues of anti-Blackness. Jesse Parris embodies the spirit and fire to shift the current state of the district. He is committed to calling out the misappropriations of funds and the neglect of Black people, addressing the language of bills that create poverty, and implementing tangible policies that redirect benign neglect and punish the harm being done.

Local Opposition:

Black people in political and activist positions are very opposed to Jesse's attempts to empower and lead. These opponents are entrenched in the small communities of Park Hill, Five Points, and East Denver, where older, opinionated gatekeepers wield significant influence. Their words and sway have led many to support Lindsay Gilcrest. The political climate demands a change, a passionate defender and leader who will fight in the House against the same old dog-and-pony show. Jesse Parris believes in asking questions first for the people who look like him and the most vulnerable people. There are major concerns in the district that need to be addressed. He will, at the very least, give her a run and a challenge; it's not November yet.

Board Memberships and Advocacy:

Jesse LaShawn Parris also sits on the following boards: The Reimagining Police and Public Safety Taskforce, The Citizen Advisory Board for District Attorney Beth McCann, The Black Alumni Network, The Crime Prevention and Control Commission for Reentry, Five Points Business Improvement District, BeWell Block Captain, and Fusion Studios Resident Council Leaders. Despite the disdain flung at his aspirations to be of service to his community, Jesse consistently does the work for the people.

Why Jesse LaShawn Parris?

Jesse is the exact individual that House District 8 represents. He is a strong leader who is ready to tackle the challenges facing the district and ensure that the true needs of the people are addressed. He advocates for policies that protect Black people from acts of terrorism and racism, aiming to create policies that benefit all ethnicities and ensure transparency and accountability in legislative language.