Colorado Rep. Iman Jodeh appointed to SD 29 seat after Janet Buckner resigns

AURORA | State Rep. Iman Jodeh was chosen Monday by a Democratic vacancy committee to assume the State Senate 29 seat, left open by former state Sen. Janet Buckner..

Jodeh won 35 of 43 votes from the Arapahoe County vacancy committee after one round of voting.

Aurora activist Maya Wheeler won eight votes, and political newcomer Christian Caldwell received no votes. 

Now a member of the state Senate, Jodeh’s House District 41 seat vacancy will set off another race among Democrats in the region.

Jodeh promised to work hard for her district and became emotional while honoring Buckner for the work she’d done in the community.

“There will be countless decisions to make, and decisions that will impact the lives of Coloradans and even set the precedents for lawmakers across the country, but the work is simply not done,” Jodeh said, “and I am committed to continuing this fight, listening to your concerns and amplifying your voices and delivering results that make a real difference.”

Wheeler was formerly chairperson of the Aurora Human Relations Commission and previously a candidate for Aurora City Council and House District 41. She is past chairperson of the African American Initiative of the Colorado Democratic Party and Board, the Colorado Black Leadership Coalition, and Good Shepherd Organization. Wheeler founded and leads the Wezesha Dada Center, which focuses on providing racial minority women and youth with education and career resources.

Longtime Aurora resident, youth mentor and IT specialist Caldwell threw his hat in the ring at the last minute. Caldwell said he currently runs My Brothers and Sisters Keepers Program for Colorado at the state level.

Jodeh is a lifelong Auroran and daughter of Palestinian immigrants who has spent her career advocating for the rights of people who, like her parents, came to the U.S. seeking better, safer lives. 

“Four years ago, I ran to make the American dream a reality for everyone, and as someone who is the product of that dream,” Jodeh said Monday during a forum part of the vacancy meeting. “I’m committed to continuing that fight to protect and defend a dream that must promise a better, brighter and more vibrant future for everyone, no matter their zip code, residency status, race or religion.”

The progressive Democrat leads programs building relationships with and cultural understanding of Middle Easterners. She serves as a community advocate for the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado. And, as co-founder of the Colorado Muslim Leadership Council and spokesperson for the Colorado Muslim Society, she has fought Islamophobia and racism.

The first day of the 2025 Colorado legislative session is Jan. 8.

Multiple sources have mentioned Aurora Public Schools board director Anne Keke as a possible contender for the now-open House District 41 seat. Keke was unavailable for comment after the Monday vacancy decision.

Buckner’s abrupt resignation has resulted in a flurry of concern among both Democrat and Republican party officials. Both parties have called for changes in election law and requirements for special elections, in an effort for one party to hand over the seat to another party member without voter input.

“To the people of SD 29, I want you to know very, very much that I will work every single day to honor your trust and advance our shared vision for a better Colorado. Thank you so much for this opportunity,” Jodeh said. “So, let’s get back to work.”