Meet Edie

Proven Leadership. Fiscal Expertise. Deep Community Roots.

I came to Boulder in 1997, and it’s been home ever since. It’s where my husband Jim and I built our life, raised our family, and where I’ve spent decades showing up for my community—first as a volunteer and civic leader, and later as a public servant.

I’m running for Regent of the University of Colorado (Congressional District 2) because I believe CU is one of Colorado’s most important public institutions—and its success depends on steady leadership, strong community relationships, and serious fiscal oversight.

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The Experience To Lead

My public service career started early—as a legislative aide in Alaska for US Senator Mike Gravel—long before I ever ran for office. That work taught me what government looks like when decisions are complicated, the stakes are real, and you still have to deliver results.

Later, I earned my graduate degree in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, and built a career that blended policy, budgets, and collaboration.

In the early years in Boulder, I started a pesto brand, The Pesto Manifesto, that we sold at farmers' markets, and served as the first Finance Manager for my husband’s startup, Vertiba. I volunteered at Planned Parenthood and Boulder Safehouse, was always active in the Boulder County Democratic Party, and was President of the Democratic Women of Boulder County. I was honored to receive the Democratic Party’s “Give Em Hell Harry” Award in 2022.

I served three terms as the State Representative for Boulder (HD-10), encompassing Boulder, Gunbarrel and the CU campus. Those years gave me hands-on experience with how large institutions function—and how to navigate the budget process, the politics, and the partnerships that shape outcomes.

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Fiscal leadership that fits the job

One of the most consequential roles I held in the legislature was Chair of the Capital Development Committee, the year-round committee that reviews and prioritizes major capital construction and controlled maintenance requests for state agencies—including higher education. During my tenure, we secured millions of dollars for critical capital improvements to the University. I was honored when CU named me State Legislator of the Year in 2017.

That work is where I learned (and practiced) the kind of oversight CU needs: asking hard questions, weighing tradeoffs, and making decisions that hold up over time.

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My connection to CU is personal

For me, the University of Colorado is family. My son and niece both have two degrees from CU, and my husband is a season ticket-holder. I have spent years engaging with the campus community—serving as a moderator for the Conference on World Affairs and now as a mentor in the Boulder-CU Leadership Program. I have seen firsthand how this institution shapes lives, and I am ready to ensure it thrives for generations to come.

A Coalition Builder

My candidacy is supported by a broad coalition of state legislators, city council members, county commissioners, and local leaders. These endorsements reflect my proven ability to build the intergovernmental relationships necessary to move big institutions forward. At the State Capital, I strived to maintain healthy relationships across the aisle, while holding fast to my principles and not being afraid to lead. I will be a steadfast champion for CU’s independence and academic freedom.

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What I’ll focus on as Regent

If elected, I’ll bring an approach that’s practical, community-rooted, and financially serious. My priorities include:

Tuition affordability: expand access through aid, scholarships, and cost discipline
Student well-being: mental health resources and campus safety
Academic freedom: defend the autonomy of students and faculty to learn, research, and teach without intimidation or political interference
Land use & housing: manage university growth with real attention to housing pressure in host communities
Economic impact & workforce readiness: strengthen CU’s role in research, innovation, and career pathways
Fiscal accountability: rigorous oversight of CU’s multi-billion-dollar budget and long-term obligations

I’m running to help CU thrive for the long haul—with leadership that respects the institution, protects its independence, and earns trust through competence.

A woman sitting at a desk with a nameplate reading 'Edie Hooton' is surrounded by four people standing, all smiling and posing for the photo in a formal setting with ornate decor.

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