About Gail Schwartz

Senator Gail Schwartz, a champion of P-20 Education, an advocate for Rural Health and the Environment, and a leading proponent for Rural Economic Development, is proud to serve as a Democrat in the State Senate representing the citizens of the 5th District. Her district encompasses some of the most beautiful land in our nation – 11 counties from the Elk Mountain Range, to the upper Arkansas River Valley and the San Luis Valley. Senator Schwartz was elected to the Colorado State Senate in November of 2006.

Senator Schwartz serves on a significant number of committees that address the needs of her constituents and the people of Colorado. Currently, she Chairs the Local Government & Energy Committee, and Co-Chairs the Home Care Task Force. Senator Schwartz is also a member of the Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee, the Capital Development Committee, the Legal Services Committee, the Health Care Task Force, and the Water Resources Review Committee. Senator Schwartz also serves as the legislative liaison to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, the Colorado Heritage Tourism Committee, and the Energy Council. Senator Schwartz also serves on the Board of Directors for Veteran's Green Jobs and the Colorado Department of Tourism.

Senator Schwartz has dedicated much of her career to enhancing educational opportunities for all Coloradans. Prior to being elected to the Colorado Senate, Gail was appointed by Governor Roy Romer to be a member of the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, and was elected by the voters of the 3rd Congressional District to serve as a member and Vice-Chair of the University of Colorado Board of Regents. Senator Schwartz is equally committed to preserving Colorado’s majestic environment, and to protecting our State's water, natural resources and agricultural lands. Her current legislative focus is on re-energizing Colorado's economy by creating jobs and investing in the future of renewable energy. 

Key legislative accomplishments have included mapping the State's Renewable Energy Resources and Broadband Network, protecting In-stream Flows, expanding Health Care opportunities for rural residents, and implementing renewable and energy saving technologies. Senator Schwartz was extremely proud to sponsor the “BEST Bill” – Building Excellent Schools Today – which was signed into law in 2008 and brings $1Billion dollars in new construction to K-12 schools throughout the rural parts of our state – an investment which was desperately needed to repair crumbling schools and ensure our rural children a 21st century education.

Born and raised in Chicago, Gail Sheridan Schwartz has lived in Colorado since 1967. A resident of the Roaring Fork Valley for over 35 years, she currently resides in Snowmass Village with her husband of 27 years, Alan E. Schwartz an attorney. They have three daughters, Brendan Ash, Aime and Rachel. She holds a B.S. Business Degree in Marketing from the University of Colorado.

“Rural Colorado has unique needs. I am committed to protecting the resources and environment we have been so blessed with. I will fight to keep our water on the land and in our streams by vigorously opposing water speculation and further diversions to the front-range urban areas."

 "I will advocate for innovative techniques and solutions to strengthen and expand healthcare, education and economic opportunities in communities throughout the district. It is critical to our future economic viability that more of our high school graduates are able to attend college or pursue the professional training of their choice. I have the experience, commitment, energy, and vision to represent the citizens of the 5th Senate District, and it is my distinct honor to do so. Thank you for the privilege of serving you."

"I look forward to meeting as many of my constituents as possible in each of the communities in my district."

"Working together, I am confident we will continue to achieve great things.”