Denver’s statehouse races have new leaders after primary elections on Tuesday night. Chela Garcia Irlando, an executive at an environmental nonprofit, held a strong lead over Andrés Carrera in the Democratic primary for Senate District 34. Garcia Irlando, 33, is a fourth-generation Coloradan with a long family history in the state.

As of 10 p.m., Garcia Irlando had 67% of the vote. Senate District 34 covers much of west and northwest Denver. The two candidates are vying to replace state Sen. Julie Gonzales, who is reaching her term limit after eight years in office.

House District 6 and 5 Races

In State House District 6, progressive attorney Iris Halpern has a slight lead over moderate incumbent state Rep. Sean Camacho in the Democratic primary. As of 10 p.m., Halpern had 51% of the vote and Camacho had 48%. The Democratic nominee will face Kathleen Angel, who was unopposed in the Republican primary.

In State House District 5, Justine Sandoval had 76% of the vote in a Democratic primary face-off with Sterling Simms. Sandoval, a fourth-generation Denverite, has been involved in local politics and community organizing for two decades. The Democratic nominee will face Johnnie W. Johnson, who was unopposed in the Republican primary.

House District 9 Race

Monica VanBuskirk had a wide lead in her House District 9 race against Neal Walia. VanBuskirk has worked on strategy for the state, Denver Health, Kaiser Permanente and Connect for Health Colorado. Her priority is creating an affordable, safe and thriving home for Coloradans.

Original reporting: Denverite — read the source article.