The sudden death of Faith Winter, a Colorado state senator, has sent shockwaves through Colorado’s political community. On the evening of November 26, 2025, she was killed in a five-vehicle crash on Interstate 25 (I-25) near Centennial, just south of Denver. The collision shut down a stretch of the highway as emergency responders assessed the scene, which included an overturned truck and several damaged vehicles. Authorities later confirmed that Winter was the only fatality, though three other people were injured.

News of Winter’s death triggered immediate condolences and public mourning across the state’s political leadership. Jared Polis, the governor of Colorado, called her loss a shock to the state, offering his deepest condolences to her family and colleagues. He characterized Winter as a “fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, families, and our climate.” Legislative leaders of her own party also issued statements — describing her as a warm, compassionate colleague who brought empathy, commitment, and strong moral conviction to her role. The sudden and tragic nature of her death left many in the Capitol and beyond reeling.

Winter’s political career was marked by steady upward progression and growing influence. She began her legislative career in the Colorado House of Representatives, first elected in 2014, representing House District 35. In 2018, she won a seat in the Colorado State Senate by defeating Republican incumbent Beth Martinez Humenik. After a redistricting process in 2023, she began representing Senate District 25. In September 2023, she was elevated to the role of Assistant Senate Majority Leader, making her the third-highest-ranking member of the Senate.

Throughout her time in office, Winter focused heavily on policies related to infrastructure, environment, and social equity. As chair of the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee, she pushed for reforms and investments to modernize Colorado’s transit systems and reduce pollution.  She played a central role in legislation — notably a measure that imposed fees on the sale of gas and diesel fuel, as well as on rideshare rides and deliveries — raising billions for Colorado’s transportation projects while aiming to improve air quality. Beyond transportation and infrastructure, Winter also advocated for policies to support working families, environmental protections, and equality — including legislation ensuring fair employment practices for pregnancy and childbirth, and expanding opportunities for women. Her academic background — a B.S. in environmental management and biology from University of Redlands — informed her data-driven approach to environmental and transit policy.

But beyond her public achievements, Winter was deeply valued personally by colleagues and community members. She was often described not just as a skilled policymaker, but as a warm, empathetic presence in the Capitol — someone who offered support to coworkers, brought positivity to stressful days, and cared about people beyond the political arena. She is survived by her two children, a son and a daughter, and by her fiancé, former state Representative Matt Gray. The outpouring of grief and tributes reflects the deep respect and affection many felt for her — as a leader, colleague, friend, and mother. Her absence leaves a profound void in Colorado’s political community and among those she championed.

With Winter’s seat now vacant, the responsibility of appointing someone to serve out the remainder of her term falls to a party vacancy committee.  Her death also comes at a moment of broader political turbulence in Colorado — a reminder of the complex, often polarized environment in which she worked. Though this broader context was not the central focus of her legislation, it underscores the challenges facing those who serve in public office today. As Colorado mourns, many are reflecting not just on Winter’s policy legacy — her work on transportation, climate, and social equity — but on the compassion, integrity, and dedication she brought to public service. Her legacy will likely continue to shape future policy and inspire those who follow.