My name is Dr. Jenna Preston. I am a clinical psychologist, a mom, a military spouse, and a proud member of this community.

For 30 years, I’ve been a therapist working with individuals and families during their most difficult moments and currently I treat your military stationed at Buckley Space Force Base helping them work through trauma, depression, and stress. In my work, I’ve learned something that applies far beyond a therapy office: systems cannot improve unless we are willing to be honest about where they are falling short and you cannot heal a system if you are afraid to speak the truth about how it’s broken.

That belief is what led me to run for Congress in the 4th Congressional District (CD4). I saw a district full of hardworking people who felt overlooked, unheard, and disconnected from the decisions being made on their behalf. I believed then, and still believe now, that our community deserves thoughtful, transparent, and accountable leadership.

This experience has also reinforced something I’ve seen throughout this campaign: too many capable, community-driven candidates face unnecessary barriers to participation and there is too much money in politics.  I firmly believe we will never have another fair election in our lifetime without campaign finance reform.  

The process feels inaccessible or discouraging to many as people in positions of power stop allowing space for change or for people to feel heard and understood.  When this happens, it limits who is able to step forward and serve. That is something we should all care about, regardless of party or position.  I have personally heard from people in our community that the “Big Tent” we profess to be feels more like a closed door to many in practice. I’ve been a Democrat since 1990, but we need to reflect on why we have lost 60% of registered dems in Colorado over the past 10 years and why there’s less than 2% participate in caucus and assembly.  

Many of you know me as the "Purple" candidate (blend between red and blue), not because I lack conviction, but because I believe our country is being torn apart by the two-party system that demands we pick a side and stay there.  I believe the majority of us fall in the middle and there is more that unites us — like wanting to know we can afford groceries, that our daughters will be protected, and our candidates and elected officials will be fair and honest.

Over the past eight months, I have had the opportunity to meet so many of you, hear your concerns, and I carry your stories with me. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support you’ve shown me and believing I can be the change we need. 

I also believe it’s important to be direct about what has happened.I intended to qualify for the ballot through the petition process. I worked hard to do my part, personally gathering signatures and engaged directly with voters across the district. Unfortunately, a vendor I relied on to complete that process did not fulfill their obligations, and that failure was not communicated honestly or in a timely manner. As a result, I will not appear on the ballot as planned.

That is difficult to say, but I believe you deserve transparency and I was raised by a single mother who taught me that integrity is the only thing you take with you at the end of the day.

Right now, I am taking time to carefully consider next steps, including the possibility of a write-in campaign. It is not an easy path, but it is one that would allow us to continue this conversation and this work together and give us a choice.

No matter what comes next, I remain committed to this community. Whether in my professional role or in public service, my goal is the same: to listen, to lead with integrity, and to leave things better than I found them. That commitment will never change.

If we want change we have to vote for change and I believe I can help get us there. 

Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and for being part of this journey.

Jenna Preston, Psy.D., LP