News/Commentary

Socialist mayoral candidate was convicted for stealing food stamps, she says it qualifies her for the job

September 22, 2026 | | Print Article

Socialist Denver mayoral candidate Shontel Lewis spun away her past legal troubles by audaciously suggesting that a conviction for theft of public welfare benefits qualifies her to lead the Mile High City.

In 2008, Lewis copped to stealing thousands of dollars in benefits when she was employed at the Department of Human Services East Food Stamp Office, abusing her position to reissue Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards that were intended for other people to herself and her roommate.

She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft and was sentenced to 18 months of probation and paid restitution for the theft, but the conviction has resurfaced with Lewis setting her sights on City Hall as the candidate endorsed by the far-left Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in next year’s nonpartisan mayoral contest.

When asked by a local reporter whether the conviction “is disqualifying for somebody who wants to serve as mayor, because it involved public monies,” Lewis boldly claimed that it is actually a positive part of her resume.

“I actually think that experience is what actually qualifies me,” she told Next 9NEWS reporter Kyle Clark. “Twenty years ago, I was young, I was a young mom, I was grieving, I did something really silly, and I paid my restitution, I did my time, and I took care of what I needed to do while also navigating all the ills of poverty.”

A regular champion of the working class.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Colorado state constitution would appear to be an obstacle to Lewis’ political aspirations, as it bars those who have been “convicted of embezzlement of public moneys, bribery, perjury, solicitation of bribery, or subornation of perjury” from “any office of trust or profit in this state.”

Lewis, however, has twice been elected to positions since she pleaded guilty for stealing other people’s benefits and is currently a member of the Denver City Council who has received the endorsement of the local DSA chapter.

Another DSA-backed candidate, Ethiopia-born lawyer Melat Kiros, shocked the political world when she trounced 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) in this summer’s Democratic primary, one of several defeats of incumbents that herald the coming of a new, ultra-radical class of socialists to Washington, D.C.

Denver voters will have the ultimate say in who will represent them, but X users are weighing in now.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

According to her campaign website, Lewis is running on a plethora of socialist ideas, including “TAX THE RICH,” and already has hands-on personal experience with redistribution schemes.

Chris Donaldson
Latest posts by Chris Donaldson (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

Latest Articles