Traditionally, Republicans have dominated the University of Colorado’s Board of Regents, a body that has broad influence over the state’s flagship school–from raising tuition in tough times to firing Ward Churchill. Now, Democrats aim to switch the political numbers on the board, which is currently controlled by the GOP, 5-4. Democrat Melissa Hart is challenging Republican incumbent Steve Bosley, a chief executive at The Bank of Boulder and founder of the Bolder Boulder 10k, according to The Colorado Statesman.

Hart, seeking the at-large seat, says she wants CU to be affordable and inclusive. “We cannot continue to raise tuition and cut programs, and yet the Republican majority on the board seem to see these as the only options,” she said after receiving her party nomination last month.

In 2008, Hart, a CU law professor, led a successful campaign against Amendment 46, described by critics as an anti-affirmative action ballot measure, according to Boulder’s Daily Camera. All of the Democratic regents have contributed to her campaign, along with several Democratic state leaders and Congressman Jared Polis.