On Saturday, Colorado Republicans attempted to remove their state party chair, Dave Williams, although Williams has questioned the validity of this action. During the meeting, about 160 out of roughly 180 participants voted to oust Williams, as reported by local news.
However, there has been confusion over the interpretation of state party rules regarding the removal of an officer. The debate centers on whether the vote requires three-fifths of the GOP central committee members present or three-fifths of all committee members.
The state party contends that Republicans are “illegally re-interpreting our bylaws to improperly attempt to remove all of your duly elected officers,” while those at the meeting argued that the rules pertain only to those present, according to the Colorado Sun.
Colorado Republicans face internal conflict as members vote to remove state chair Dave Williams, with questions about the validity of the vote
Williams expressed frustration via text, stating, “77 people from a fringe faction cannot decide for over 400 members at a purported meeting. Suggesting that less than half of the membership can meet without authorization to remove officers and elect a new chair is absurd.”
He also mentioned that “The Republican National Committee Parliamentarian has already deemed their meeting invalid and our August 31st meeting as the only legitimate one.” The Hill has contacted the RNC to determine how they are recognizing the results. At the Saturday meeting, Republicans elected Eli Bremer, a former El Paso County GOP chair, Senate candidate, and Olympian, as their new state party chair.
Williams has faced criticism for using party resources to support his congressional bid, which he lost in the June primary. Additionally, his leadership has been controversial due to the party’s anti-LGBTQ messages, including calls to “burn all the #pride flags this June.”
