Misty Plowright

Misty Plowright is running to represent Colorado’s 5th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Misty is many things; An Army veteran, a self-educated woman, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a passionate social democrat. Her personal history has helped to shape her political philosophy and she has reached a point in her life where she feels the need to stand up and speak for those who do not have a voice.

Misty was born in California to a working class family. When she was 1-year-old, her mother separated from her father and raised her alone. At the age of 4 she was sent to live with her grandmother in Arkansas. For the next 9 years, her grandmother and great-grandmother raised her as a devout Southern Baptist. When Misty was in her teens her mother returned to Arkansas and again took custody of her. Her family struggled throughout her teenage years, and needed public assistance just to get by. Misty’s mother often had to work 2 or 3 jobs just to take care of her child. Her mother’s example helped to instill a strong work ethic in Misty. While working 1 of her multiple jobs, Misty’s mother suffered heat stroke and she never fully recovered her faculties. Her mother often had to choose between gas money to get to work and basic necessities. Misty has first-hand knowledge of the effect that not having access to affordable medical and dental care has on a person’s body long term.

After receiving her diploma, Misty encountered financial barriers and was unable to attend college. She moved into the work force in a customer service position while continuing to improve her skill sets on her own time. She enlisted in the US Army in 2002 and served from 2003 to 2004 as an Information Systems Operator/Analyst. She was honorably discharged due to a non-combat related physical injury. After the military she pursued a position with a technology company, but found her lack of education to be a barrier until an accidental crossing of paths gave her a lucky break which started her professional technical carrier. After her fortuitous encounter, her success in her career was advanced through hard work and dedication to her team. She is not independently wealthy, and must continue to work to support herself and her family, while running for office. Misty knows many of the barriers that prevent families from getting off of public assistance, and she has had the good fortune to overcome them.

She has been in a committed long-term relationship with her wife Lisa for 9 years. Colorado did not have marriage equality when Misty and Lisa first got together. They had moved to Seattle in 2007 and were able to obtain a domestic partnership in 2010 before moving back to Colorado. Legislation changes converted their domestic partnership to legal marriage in 2014. They have both been in a loving, long-term, committed relationship with their mutual partner, Sebastian, for the last 2 years. All 3 partners support each other emotionally, physically and financially.