Wanda James, a trailblazing cannabis entrepreneur and University of Colorado Regent, has announced she’s taking on one of the longest-serving Democrats in Congress.
On her 61st birthday, James announced she will challenge U.S. Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO) in next year’s Democratic primary for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District.
James and her husband became the nation’s first Black dispensary owners when they opened their Denver shop more than a decade ago, placing her at the forefront of the legal marijuana industry. Since then, she’s built a reputation as both a business leader and political strategist, helping elect Democrats including Governor Jared Polis.
In launching her campaign, James said it’s time for bold leadership that reflects the values of Denver and the changing landscape of the country.
“The people of Colorado’s 1st Congressional District are demanding bold, unapologetic, fearless leadership,” James said. “After decades in office, there’s no excuse for not doing more for our district and our country.”
DeGette, first elected in 1996, is the most senior member of Colorado’s congressional delegation. She has routinely defeated primary challengers, often by wide margins, and last year defeated her Republican opponent by 55 points. But James believes her cannabis industry background, combined with her political experience and local profile, gives her a unique chance to break through.
Her entry into the race immediately sets her apart from DeGette’s past challengers. Few, if any, have carried the kind of national name recognition James has earned through her role as a pioneering figure in marijuana legalization, featured in outlets like the New York Times and NBC News. She is also backed by influential local leaders, including former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb.
James joins a growing field of Democrats looking to unseat DeGette, though the district is considered one of the safest Democratic seats in the nation. For James, who helped shape Colorado’s cannabis movement from the beginning, the primary is less about party competition and more about whether a veteran marijuana advocate can translate that influence into federal office.
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