Meet Edie

Proven Leadership. Fiscal Expertise.
CU Mom, Aunt & Mentor

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. I’m not a career politician, but I’ve spent decades showing up for my community—first as a volunteer and civic leader, and for six years as a state legislator. 

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. Colorado and CU are currently under attack from Trump.  We need a battle-tested leader to stand up to these bullies.

A woman speaking into a microphone at a protest or rally, with a sign that reads "I march for my granddaughters and their daughters and their daughters and all our daughters". Several people are gathered around, some holding signs and wearing hats.

Proven Leadership & Results

My public service career started early—as a legislative aide in Alaska for a US Senator. 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 six years 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. 

As a legislator, I took on tough corporate foes like private equity, heath insurers and Xcel Energy to protect tenants and consumers. Phil Weiser won a million-dollar settlement that stopped a big landlord from gouging tenants with illegal junk fees. It was my bill that made that possible. I passed multiple laws to protect mobile home owners from abuses from private equity firms and passed a law to protect rural pharmacies.

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Fiscal leadership that fits the job

A primary role of the CU Regents is to set the budget. It doesn’t require flashy speeches, just gritty financial oversight. I chaired the legislature’s Capital Development Committee that prioritizes major capital construction for higher education. 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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CU Mom, Aunt & Mentor:
My connection to CU is personal

For me, the University of Colorado is family. 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. My son and niece both have two degrees from CU, and my husband is a season ticket-holder. 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 overwhelmingly supported by a broad coalition of state legislators, city council members, county commissioners, and local leaders. These endorsements show I can “play nice in the sandbox” and get things done. These leaders clearly understand what it takes to be an effective Regent. They’ve looked carefully at all the candidates and they support me.

At the State Capital, I have been able 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. 

Two people at a sports stadium, the man is wearing an Oregon State cap and jacket, and the woman is flexing her arm. They are both wearing access passes, with a view of a stadium and mountains in the background.
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.
A man in a suit is seated at a table, signing a document, surrounded by five others standing behind him. The backdrop features a large landscape painting of a lake and mountains at sunset. The table has a Colorado state emblem on the front.

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