Angie Paccione, Ph.D, is the respected and effective Chair of the Democratic Majority Caucus in the Colorado House of Representatives. She came to politics from a busy life in which she excelled as a professional basketball player, a professional educator, and a community leader.

“The lesson I learned early from my mother and grandmother was to say ‘Yes!’ to opportunity. It’s been my life’s mission to show that same leadership, and to teach others that it’s important to have the courage to stand strong on the principles of a free America.” – Angie Paccione

What Makes Angie an Extraordinary, Visionary Leader?

As a Coloradan, Angie first focused her energy on working with troubled youth at a residential childcare facility, and then trained to be a high school teacher. During her teacher training, Angie was awarded the Future Teacher Award by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. While pursing her career in education, Angie applied her leadership skills to the local and surrounding communities by serving on boards of directors for non-profit organizations, and by working and volunteering with various charities. It was this dedication to diversity and public service that led her to run for State Representative from House District 53 in 2002.

Angie’s legislative work is focused on increasing opportunities for young people, businesses, seniors, and the most vulnerable in our communities. Angie continues to be an effective champion for education issues while also pushing for improvements in healthcare, job growth and training, consumer protections, and for a cost-conscious government that is more responsible and less invasive.

Background

Angie was born in 1960 in the South Bronx area of New York City. With an Italian father and an African-American mother, Angie is a proud example of the melting pot that is America. Growing up on the streets of New York City, Angie used basketball as her ticket to a better life. As a senior in high school, Angie was a consensus All-American and a member of the National Select Team that represented the USA.

With her extraordinary basketball and academic skills, Angie was one of the first women ever to receive a full scholarship to Stanford University in California. While at Stanford and for years afterwards, Angie traveled on humanitarian missions as a member of Christian basketball teams. A true scholar-athlete, Angie graduated from Stanford with an honors degree in political science.

Race Facts:

Race Type: Democratic Challenge
Primary Opponent: None
Primary Date: May 30, 2006
Primary Election Results: Won Primary
General Opponent: Rep. Marilyn Musgrave®
General Election Date: November 7, 2006
General Election Results: Loss, 43 – 46 percent