I know what it means to come from nothing and fight for every opportunity. I was raised by a single mom working minimum wage jobs to keep food on the table. We relied on food stamps to get by, and by age 12, I was working to help support my family. 

Those experiences shaped my values and taught me the importance of hard work, service and standing up for people who need a voice. That’s why I chose to serve my country. As a U.S. Army Combat Engineer Officer, Airborne and Ranger qualified, I served during the Persian Gulf War and later earned a Bronze Star in Iraq. I took an oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic — an oath I still believe in today. 

Now I’m running for Congress because Donald Trump and the MAGA movement are threatening the freedoms and democratic values I fought to protect. In Congress, I’ll stand up to Trump’s attacks on our democracy, protect mail-in voting that rural Colorado depends on and defend the Constitution from anyone who tries to undermine it. 

After my military service, I came home to Colorado, raised a family and this year I am celebrating 35 years of marriage with my wife, Margaret. I also built a small business that created good-paying jobs, and served on the school board, city council, fire district and water board. I fought for affordable housing and better schools because I believe public service is about solving problems and helping communities thrive. 

But politicians like Trump and Jeff Hurd are making life harder for Colorado families. I’ll fight to protect rural healthcare and make sure families can see a doctor close to home. I’ll also fight to protect Social Security and Medicare. And I know families are feeling squeezed by rising costs. I’ve lived that struggle myself. In Congress, I’ll fight to lower costs at the grocery store and pharmacy, bring down housing costs, and stand up to the corporations and special interests driving prices higher. 

I’ve spent my life fighting for what matters — my country, my family and my community. In

Congress, I’ll fight for Colorado families every single day. I’d be honored to earn your support. 

Dwayne Romero is a candidate in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.