(The Center Square) – Colorado’s House GOP caucus on Thursday elected state Rep. Rose Pugliese as its new minority leader.
The vote comes one day after House Minority Leader Mike Lynch stepped down in the wake of revelations that he failed to disclose a 2022 arrest for DUI and weapons possession. Lynch stepped down despite narrowly surviving a “no-confidence” vote by the caucus on Monday.
Pugliese, a Colorado Springs Republican who previously served as assistant House minority leader, thanked Lynch in a statement for “all of his hard work and leadership” and maintained the caucus remains united.
“I am humbled and honored by the support of our caucus and ready to lead the fight against the continued failed Democratic policies that have increased the price of groceries, allowed property taxes to rise dramatically and have made our state unaffordable for so many families across Colorado,” she said. “Republicans stand united in our desire to chart a different path in our state and we are working hard on policies that deliver on our commitment to make Colorado more affordable, safer, and ensure parental rights and educational choice are priorities.”
Pugliese beat out Reps. Ken DeGraaf, R-Colorado Springs, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, in the caucus vote for the leadership role, according to CPR News.
Lynch, who served as minority leader during the 2023 legislative session, is running for the 4th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, who’s retiring.
