Democratic state Sen. Dan Grossman announced Monday that he plans to end his decade- long run in the legislature when his term ends this year.
The Denver lawmaker said he wants to spend more time with his young and growing family.
Grossman has a 1-year-old daughter and is expecting another baby in June.
“Ten years of this has been both rewarding and trying,” Grossman said. “It’s time to shift attention to those other facets of my life.”
There are a number of possible candidates to replace Grossman in the heavily Democratic district.
Democratic Rep. Fran Coleman of Denver, who cannot run again for the House because of term limits, said, “As long as he’s stepping down, I’m definitely going for it.”
Democratic House Speaker Andrew Romanoff said he still plans to run for re-election to his House seat, although he has not ruled out a bid to replace Grossman.
Democratic activists Chris Romer, the son of former Democratic Gov. Roy Romer, and Jennifer Mello, a failed candidate for University of Colorado regent, both said they were interested in Grossman’s seat but would defer to Romanoff before making a decision.
“I’m interested in serving in the legislature – have not made a decision Senate or House,” Romer said.
Mello said if Romanoff were to run for Grossman’s seat, she’d look at running for his vacant House seat.
Staff writer Chris Frates can be reached at 303-820-1633 or cfrates@denverpost.com.
