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Bill Ritter was born and raised in a big family on a small farm in Eastern Colorado. He knows first-hand the challenges that Colorado families face today. He has never forgotten his working-class roots. He understands what we must do to lead Colorado forward in the 21st century.

Lifelong Coloradan

Bill Ritter, Jr., was born in Colorado and raised on a farm east of Aurora, the sixth of 12 children of Bill and Ethel Ritter. Bill's father was a heavy equipment operator, while his mother stayed home until tight economic circumstances forced her to find work as a bookkeeper.

Bill started working full time in construction at age 14 to help support the family. As a member of the local laborers' union, he continued working in construction to pay his way through Colorado State University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science in 1978, and the University of Colorado Law School. He earned his law degree in 1981 and was hired as a Denver Deputy District Attorney.

A Life of Service

In the midst of a successful career as a prosecutor, 1987, Bill and his wife, Jeannie, began a three-year commitment to manage and expand a food distribution and nutrition center in Zambia, Africa, where one-third of all children suffered from malnutrition. During his time in Africa, Bill learned that leadership is about listening to people, understanding their struggles, and walking with them on a path toward a better tomorrow.

Returning home in 1990, Bill worked as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney's Office. In May 1992, Bill returned to the DA's Office. Then-Governor Roy Romer appointed Bill as Denver's District Attorney in 1993. He was elected to the position in 1994 and re-elected in 1996 and 2000.

As District Attorney, Bill:

• Established one of the nation's first drug courts;
• Strengthened prosecution of white-collar criminals and crimes against
  seniors, while expanding domestic and sexual abuse prosecution;
• Created the nation's first Victim Services’ Network;
• Advised the U.S. Attorney General on community security following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
• These accomplishments earned Bill a national reputation for effective prosecution, innovation and the ability to manage public dollars wisely and
  efficiently.

In 2006, Bill was elected Colorado's 41st Governor alongside Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien. Since taking office, Bill Ritter's administration has made significant progress on a number of fronts on behalf of Colorado's working families.

Read more about Bill's accomplishments as Governor >>

Family

Bill and Jeannie have been married for 2½ decades. They have three sons – August, Abe and Sam – and a daughter, Tally. Jeannie is a former substitute teacher with Denver Public Schools. Most of Bill's family, including his 11 brothers and sisters and three dozen nieces and nephews, live in Colorado.