{{short description|American politician from Colorado}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2018}} {{Infobox officeholder |name = Sonya Jaquez Lewis |image = Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis.jpg |state_senate = Colorado |district = 17th |term_start = January 13, 2021 |term_end = February 17, 2025 |predecessor = Mike Foote |successor = Katie Wallace |state_house2 = Colorado |district2 = 12th |term_start2 = January 4, 2019 |term_end2 = January 13, 2021 |predecessor2 = Mike Foote |successor2 = Tracey Bernett |birth_name = |birth_date = |birth_place = Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. |death_date = |death_place = |party = Democratic |spouse = |children = |education = University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |signature = }}
'''Sonya Jaquez Lewis''' is an American politician who served as a member of the Colorado Senate from the 17th district. She is a member of the Democratic Party and resides in Lafayette, Colorado.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://leg.colorado.gov/legislators/sonya-jaquez-lewis |title=Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis |date= |website=Colorado General Assembly |publisher=State of Colorado |access-date=2021-01-15}}</ref> Previously, she served in the Colorado House of Representatives, representing the 12th district in Boulder County.
==Early life and education== Sonya Jaquez Lewis was born to Georgia and Robert Lewis{{sfn|Parents|1987}} in Charlotte, North Carolina,{{sfn|Delegate|2012}} in {{circa|1956-1957}}.{{sfn|Year|1981}} Lewis graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in biology in 1981.{{sfn|Local|1981}} She was a member of Alpha Chi Sigma and on the board of directors of WXYC.{{sfn|Potential|1978}}
==Career== ===Local politics=== Lewis was elected to the Campus Governing Council in 1977{{sfn|Election|1977}} and 1979.{{sfn|Election|1979}} She placed third in the initial round of the 1978 student president election.{{sfn|Third|1978}} She was appointed to Carrboro, North Carolina's town planning board in 1980.{{sfn|Appoint|1980}}{{sfn|Rezone|1980}}
Lewis announced her campaign for a seat on the Carrboro Board of Aldermen on September 16, 1981,{{sfn|Local|1981}} but later withdrew in favor of incumbent aldermen, who were fellow members of the Carrboro Community Coalition.{{sfn|Withdrew|1981}} She was appointed to the Durham County Women's Commission by the county board of commissioners in 1987,{{sfn|Commission|1987}} and later became its chair.{{sfn|Chair|1987}} During the 1990 senatorial election she was county coordinator for Harvey Gantt's campaign in Durham County.{{sfn|Coordinator|1990}} She worked for his campaign during the 1996 election.{{sfn|Durham|1996}}
Lewis served as an at-large delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention from Colorado{{sfn|Delegate|2008}} and from Colorado's 2nd congressional district in 2012 and 2016.{{sfn|Delegate|2012}}{{sfn|Charlotte|2012}}{{sfn|Delegate|2016}}
===State legislature=== During Lewis' tenure in the state house she served on the Public Health Care and Human Services committee and as vice-chair of the State, Veterans and Military Affairs committee.{{sfn|Committee|2020}} She was a member of the LGBTQ Caucus.{{sfn|LGBTQ|2021}}
Lewis refused to sign off her aide's time card in December 2023, and Senate President Steve Fenberg had to sign it instead. Fenberg warned Lewis about her poor behavior to her staffers and later stated that they would not help her vet or place new aides for her in the upcoming legislative session. She was removed as chair of the Local Government and Housing Committee in January 2024, and her sponsorship was removed from legislation to prevent wage theft in the construction industry. Lewis denied the allegations made against her.{{sfn|Coltrain|2024}} On December 3, she was barred from having state-paid aides after a misconduct complaint was filed about her using staffers to do yard work and bartend.{{sfn|Paul|2024}}
On February 18, 2025, Lewis announced on Facebook at 6 a.m. MST that she had resigned, with it having gone into effect the previous day at 7:15 p.m. MST.{{sfn|Resign|2025}}{{sfn|Resign Time|2025}} Resigning from the state legislature ended the ethics probe against her.{{sfn|Investigate|2025}} Two hours later the Senate Ethics Committee reported that Lewis had submitted at least one fabricated letter of support sent to the panel, claiming that it was from Anna McLean, a former aide. Lewis claimed that the letter was supposed to be information she gathered from conversations with McLean, despite it being in the first person and using her name on the letterhead, and that it was accidentally submitted.{{sfn|Resign|2025}}{{sfn|Resign Time|2025}} Another aide, Tara Mastracchio, also said that the letter submitted by Lewis with her name attached was not written by her.{{sfn|Investigate|2025}}
The district attorneys' offices in Denver and Boulder investigated Lewis for using deceit in an attempt to influence a public servant and signature forgeries.{{sfn|Investigate|2025}} On July 6, 2025, the Denver District Attorney's Office charged Lewis with the felony offense of attempting to influence a public servant. The charge can result in a $500,000 fine or up to six years in prison.{{sfn|Paul|2025}} Following a three-day jury trial held the week of January 26, 2026, Jaquez Lewis was found guilty of four felonies, including three counts of forgery and one count of attempting to influence a public servant.{{sfn|Paul|2026}} On February 27, 2026, Lewis was sentenced to two years of probation and 150 hours of public service, as well as being ordered to pay a fine of $3,000.<ref>{{cite news|last=Dolven|first=Taylor|date=February 27, 2026|url=https://coloradosun.com/2026/02/27/former-colorado-state-senator-sonya-jaquez-lewis-sentenced/|title=Former Colorado state senator sentenced to probation for fabricating letters amid ethics investigation|work=The Colorado Sun|access-date=March 3, 2026}}</ref>
==Electoral history==
{{Election box open primary begin no change|title=2018 Colorado House of Representatives 12th district election<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Results/Abstract/2018/2018Abstract.pdf|title=2018 Abstract of Votes Cast|website=Colorado Secretary of State|accessdate=April 18, 2025}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Sonya Jaquez Lewis |votes = 13,130 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 13,130 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Sonya Jaquez Lewis |votes = 30,880 |percentage = 73.54% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Independent |candidate = Teresa Stets |votes = 11,110 |percentage = 26.46% }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 41,990 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box open primary begin no change|title=2020 Colorado Senate 17th district election<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Results/Abstract/2020/2020BiennialAbstractBooklet.pdf|title=2020 Abstract of Votes Cast|website=Colorado Secretary of State|accessdate=April 18, 2025|archive-date=June 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627170034/https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Results/Abstract/2020/2020BiennialAbstractBooklet.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Sonya Jaquez Lewis |votes = 36,163 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 36,163 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Sonya Jaquez Lewis |votes = 65,226 |percentage = 67.88% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Matthew D. Menza |votes = 30,848 |percentage = 32.10% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Independent |candidate = Andrew J. O'Connor (write-in) |votes = 19 |percentage = 0.02% }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 96,093 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box end}}
{{Election box open primary begin no change|title=2024 Colorado Senate 17th district election<ref>{{cite web|url=https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/CO/121727/web.345435/#/summary?category=C_5|title=June 25, 2024 Primary Election|website=Colorado Secretary of State|accessdate=April 18, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Results/2024/2024GeneralElectionStateAbstract.pdf|title=Colorado General Election Results - November 5, 2024|website=Colorado Secretary of State|accessdate=April 18, 2025|archive-date=December 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207114708/https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/Results/2024/2024GeneralElectionStateAbstract.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Sonya Jaquez Lewis (incumbent) |votes = 19,836 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 19,836 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Sonya Jaquez Lewis (incumbent) |votes = 63,308 |percentage = 66.77% }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Tom Van Lone |votes = 31,509 |percentage = 33.23% }} {{Election box total no change |votes = 94,817 |percentage = 100.00% }} {{Election box end}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==Works cited== ===News=== * {{Cite news |date=April 19, 2016 |title=Bernie Sanders campaign gets another win in Colorado |work=The Denver Post |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2016/04/19/bernie-sanders-campaign-gets-another-win-in-colorado/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603031956/https://www.denverpost.com/2016/04/19/bernie-sanders-campaign-gets-another-win-in-colorado/ |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |ref={{harvid|Delegate|2016}}}} * {{Cite news |date=August 23, 2008 |title=Colorado's delegates |work=The Denver Post |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2008/08/23/colorados-delegates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603032313/https://www.denverpost.com/2008/08/23/colorados-delegates/ |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |ref={{harvid|Delegate|2008}}}} * {{Cite news |date=October 12, 2020 |title=Colorado Senate District 17: Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Matthew Menza and Andrew O'Connor |work=Colorado Politics |url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/voter-guide-2020-colorado-senate-district-17-sonya-jaquez-lewis-matthew-menza-and-andrew-oconnor/article_0c2fe514-0763-11eb-bd09-1f07803d4206.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603025929/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/voter-guide-2020-colorado-senate-district-17-sonya-jaquez-lewis-matthew-menza-and-andrew-oconnor/article_0c2fe514-0763-11eb-bd09-1f07803d4206.html |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |ref={{harvid|Committee|2020}}}} * {{Cite news |date=April 20, 2012 |title=National delegates to take their voices to Charlotte |work=Colorado Politics |url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/news/national-delegates-to-take-their-voices-to-charlotte/article_802ed6c5-a526-506a-aad6-f1b3ec780e3d.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603030844/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/news/national-delegates-to-take-their-voices-to-charlotte/article_802ed6c5-a526-506a-aad6-f1b3ec780e3d.html |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |ref={{harvid|Charlotte|2012}}}} * {{Cite news |date=March 11, 2021 |title=Titone to chair the legislative LGBTQ Caucus |work=Colorado Politics |url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/legislature/titone-to-chair-the-legislative-lgbtq-caucus/article_a1a2aa6e-8288-11eb-be81-dfefd80b79f1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603030531/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/legislature/titone-to-chair-the-legislative-lgbtq-caucus/article_a1a2aa6e-8288-11eb-be81-dfefd80b79f1.html |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |ref={{harvid|LGBTQ|2021}}}} * {{Cite news |last=Coltrain |first=Nick |date=April 3, 2024 |title=Colorado state senator removed from wage-theft bill after accusation she refused to pay staffer |work=The Denver Post |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2024/04/03/sonya-jaquez-lewis-colorado-senate-democrats-wage-theft-bill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209002842/https://www.denverpost.com/2024/04/03/sonya-jaquez-lewis-colorado-senate-democrats-wage-theft-bill/ |archive-date=December 9, 2024}} * {{Cite news |last=Goodland |first=Marianne |date=February 18, 2025 |title=Colorado Sen Sonya Jaquez Lewis resigns amid ethics investigation and allegations of fabricating letter of support |work=Colorado Politics |url=https://www.coloradopolitics.com/news/colorado-sen-sonya-jaquez-lewis-resigns-amid-ethics-investigation-and-allegations-of-fabricating-a-letter/article_792eb976-ee07-11ef-bfcd-2bef06811225.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313031440/https://www.coloradopolitics.com/news/colorado-sen-sonya-jaquez-lewis-resigns-amid-ethics-investigation-and-allegations-of-fabricating-a-letter/article_792eb976-ee07-11ef-bfcd-2bef06811225.html |archive-date=March 13, 2025 |ref={{harvid|Resign Time|2025}}}} * {{Cite news |last=Klamann |first=Seth |date=March 11, 2025 |title=Former state senator now faces investigation by Denver, Boulder district attorneys after resigning amid ethics probe |work=The Denver Post |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2025/03/11/colorado-senate-sonya-jaquez-lewis-investigation-letters-aides/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313031445/https://www.denverpost.com/2025/03/11/colorado-senate-sonya-jaquez-lewis-investigation-letters-aides/ |archive-date=March 13, 2025 |ref={{harvid|Investigate|2025}}}} * {{Cite news |last=Paul |first=Jesse |date=December 5, 2024 |title=Colorado senator barred from having state-paid aides after repeated complaints from staffers |work=The Colorado Sun |url=https://coloradosun.com/2024/12/05/sonya-jaquez-lewis-aides-complaints/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209002813/https://coloradosun.com/2024/12/05/sonya-jaquez-lewis-aides-complaints/ |archive-date=December 9, 2024}} * {{Cite news |last=Paul |first=Jesse |date=February 18, 2025 |title=Democratic senator resigns from Colorado legislature amid ethics investigation, new allegation of fabricated support letter |work=The Colorado Sun |url=https://coloradosun.com/2025/02/18/sonya-jaquez-lewis-resignation/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313030457/https://coloradosun.com/2025/02/18/sonya-jaquez-lewis-resignation/ |archive-date=March 13, 2025 |ref={{harvid|Resign|2025}}}} * {{cite news |last=Paul |first=Jesse |date=July 21, 2025 |title=Democratic state senator who resigned amid ethics investigation now faces felony criminal charge in Denver |url=https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/21/sonya-jaquez-lewis-felony-charge-denver/ |work=The Colorado Sun |location= |publisher= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722162557/https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/21/sonya-jaquez-lewis-felony-charge-denver/ |archive-date=July 22, 2025 |access-date=July 22, 2025}} * {{cite news |last=Paul |first=Jesse |date=January 28, 2026 |title=Former Colorado state senator convicted of felonies for fabricating letters amid ethics investigation |url=https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/28/sonya-jaquez-lewis-convicted-felonies/ |work=The Colorado Sun |location= |publisher= |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260130110435/https://coloradosun.com/2026/01/28/sonya-jaquez-lewis-convicted-felonies/ |archive-date=January 30, 2026 |access-date=January 30, 2026}}
===Newspapers=== * {{Cite news |date=December 10, 1980 |title=Carrboro Deletes Some Criminal Fines |page=1B |work=Chapel Hill News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/125733283/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602154828/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news/125733283/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Appoint|1980}}}} * {{Cite news |date=March 25, 1987 |title=Charlottean Speaks |page=5D |work=The Charlotte Observer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/125734666/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602161748/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/125734666/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Parents|1987}}}} * {{Cite news |date=January 23, 1978 |title=CGC member Lewis sees office's potentials |page=1 |work=The Daily Tar Heel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125732692/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602153641/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125732692/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Potential|1978}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 17, 1981 |title=Cheshire joins race for mayor |page=1C |work=The Herald-Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun/125733690/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602155914/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun/125733690/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Year|1981}}}} * {{Cite news |date=March 10, 1987 |title=County Names Women's Panel |page=3B |work=The Herald-Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/125734520/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602161547/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/125734520/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Commission|1987}}}} * {{Cite news |date=April 16, 1996 |title=Democratic Senate hopefuls address Durham Rotarians |page=C1 |work=The Herald-Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/125735543/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602163711/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/125735543/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Durham|1996}}}} * {{Cite news |date=June 28, 1990 |title=Enthusiasm opens Gantt headquarters |page=1A |work=The Herald-Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun/125735246/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602163055/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun/125735246/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Coordinator|1990}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 2, 2012 |title=Latinos urged to back Obama |page=2B |work=The Charlotte Observer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/125731900/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602152108/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer/125731900/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Delegate|2012}}}} * {{Cite news |date=February 16, 1978 |title=Lewis edged out, declines recount in president race |page=1 |work=The Daily Tar Heel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125732966/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602154159/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125732966/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Third|1978}}}} * {{Cite news |date=September 17, 1981 |title=Lewis files for town board |page=3 |work=The Daily Tar Heel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125733560/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602155522/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125733560/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Local|1981}}}} * {{Cite news |date=February 11, 1977 |title=Miller, Moss enter runoff; other tallies announced |page=1 |work=The Daily Tar Heel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125732354/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602153026/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125732354/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Election|1977}}}} * {{Cite news |date=February 16, 1979 |title=Moss, Tagalos win in senior class races |page=1 |work=The Daily Tar Heel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125733118/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602154427/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tar-heel/125733118/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Election|1979}}}} * {{Cite news |date=October 2, 1981 |title=Ms. Lewis Withdraws From Carrboro Race |page=17A |work=The Herald-Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/125734144/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602160741/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/125734144/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Withdrew|1981}}}} * {{Cite news |date=August 25, 1987 |title=Panel to mark "Women's Equality Day" |page=1C |work=The Herald-Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun/125734727/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602162005/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun/125734727/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Chair|1987}}}} * {{Cite news |date=December 10, 1980 |title=Rezoning For Homes Approved |page=15C |work=The Herald-Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/125733354/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602155009/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun/125733354/ |archive-date=June 2, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com |ref={{harvid|Rezone|1980}}}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lewis, Sonya Jaquez}} Category:Democratic Party members of the Colorado House of Representatives Category:Living people Category:21st-century members of the Colorado General Assembly Category:21st-century American women politicians Category:Women state legislators in Colorado Category:LGBTQ state legislators in Colorado Category:American lesbian politicians Category:1957 births Category:Hispanic and Latino American state legislators in Colorado Category:Hispanic and Latino American women in politics Category:Politicians from Charlotte, North Carolina Category:Democratic Party Colorado state senators Category:21st-century American criminals Category:Colorado politicians convicted of crimes