
Lesley Smith
Education
Ph.D., Marine Environmental and Estuarine Sciences, University of Maryland, 1981 – 1987
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Aquatic Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, 1976 – 1980
Professional Experience
Representative, Colorado House of Representatives, District 49, January 2025 - Present
University of Colorado Regent at-Large, University of Colorado, Jan 2019 - Apr 2025
Research Scientist, University of Colorado, Jul 1989 - Apr 2025
Associate Director, CIRES Education & Outreach Program, University of Colorado, Jul 1989 - Apr 2025
Community Involvement:
Board Member, Boulder Valley School Board, Boulder, CO, 2005 – 2013
City of Boulder’s Water Resources Advisory Board
Reason for Running
"My name is Lesley Smith. My life has always focused on the improvement of the environment and education. I want to take that experience and expertise to the Capitol on the behalf of the people of HD-49. I worked for thirty years as a scientist and educator at CU, served on Boulder Valley School Board for eight years, was the first woman aquanaut in the underwater Aquarius research facility and currently serve as CU Regent at-Large.
As your next state representative, I will fight to protect our climate, and our public lands. I will prioritize education, affordability, environment, and take a scientific and progressive approach to our pressing challenges."
Policy Positions
Climate: Transition Colorado to 100% renewable energy and achieve net-zero carbon emissions through strong clean energy investments. Require oil and gas producers and other major polluters to reduce emissions and be held accountable for violations. Improve air quality by reducing ozone pollution and protecting public health.
Environment: Protect Colorado’s public lands, rivers, mountains, and outdoor recreation economy. Invest in proactive wildfire prevention, forest management, and community resilience. Strengthen water conservation and safeguard Colorado’s water supply for future generations.
Education: Increase funding for K-12 schools and higher education to support students, educators, and Colorado’s workforce. Invest in classroom resources and stronger school safety measures. Prevent excessive tuition increases and expand access to affordable higher education.
Affordability: Increase housing affordability by expanding workforce housing, strengthening tenant protections, and giving local communities more tools to address housing costs. Make quality health care affordable and accessible for every Coloradan, regardless of income.
Reproductive Freedom: Protect reproductive freedom in Colorado law and the state Constitution. Defend each woman’s right to make her own reproductive health care decisions. Keep Colorado safe and accessible for those seeking reproductive health care.
Gun Violence Prevention: Strengthen gun safety laws to reduce violence and protect communities. Ban bump stocks and support restrictions on assault weapons. Advance policies that keep dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands and make communities safer.
Endorsements
Congressman Joe Neguse, Colorado 2nd Congressional District
3.14 Action
Boulder County (CO) Democratic Party
Cobalt Advocates
Colorado Education Association
Colorado Medical Society
Committee to Protect Health Care
Conservation Colorado
Gun Sense Voter
Indivisible North Colorado
Justice Opportunity Liberty Politico (JOLPOL)
Larimer County (CO) Democrats
One Colorado
Planned Parenthood Votes Colorado
Rocky Mountain Equality Action Fund
Sierra Club Colorado
Western States Regional Council of Carpenters
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