Current:Home > MyColorado GOP chair ousted in a contentious vote that he dismisses as a ‘sham’ -WealthMindset Learning
Colorado GOP chair ousted in a contentious vote that he dismisses as a ‘sham’
View
Date:2025-04-14 22:05:04
DENVER (AP) — Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams, who has tried to push the state party to extremes, was ousted over the weekend in a vote that he called illegitimate, precipitating a leadership standoff as the November election looms.
William’s tenure as chair led to party infighting as he leaned into public attacks against fellow Republicans who didn’t fit his idea of ultraconservative or endorse his extreme tactics echoing those of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The fight mirrors a national split in the GOP between more traditional Republicans and a more combative flank comprising politicians such as Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.
It also shows the challenges that such extreme politics face in Colorado. Opposition to Williams’ methods grew as the party under his leadership endorsed certain Republican primary candidates over others, a move that state parties tend to avoid, at least publicly.
Williams is also accused of using state party resources to benefit his own failed congressional primary election bid, and was criticized for refusing to step down as party chair after joining the race. Emails and posts from the party attacking the LGBTQ community, including a call to burn pride flags, were also met with disappointment from some fellow Republicans.
The growing resistance culminated in Saturday’s vote, with a majority of the 180 or so state party central committee members, or their proxies, who were in attendance voting to oust him.
In a news release, the Colorado GOP called the meeting a “sham,” and said that a majority of the more than 400 member committee weren’t in attendance. Williams said they can only seek to remove officers at the upcoming Aug. 31 meeting.
“This fringe minority faction knows they cannot get their way in a fair meeting where the rules are fairly administered,” said Williams in a text message.
The conflict comes down to an interpretation of the bylaws, and the decision could end in the hands of the Republican National Committee. The National Republican Congressional Committee, which works to elect Republicans in the U.S. House, said it will recognize the vote and the newly elected leadership.
Williams said in a text that the NRCC has “no authority to do anything.”
While GOP chairman, Williams ran in a Republican primary race for the U.S. House seat in Colorado Springs, about an hour’s drive south of Denver. While he gained Trump’s attention and eventual endorsement, he lost to a more moderate Republican.
___
Bedayn is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
veryGood! (59412)
Related
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Brittany Cartwright Addresses Rumor Her and Jax Taylor's Breakup Is a Publicity Stunt
- NASA is launching 3 sounding rockets into space during the solar eclipse. Here's why
- House Republicans launch longshot effort to rename Dulles Airport to honor Donald Trump
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Face First
- Kristin Cavallari Is Considering Having a Baby With Boyfriend Mark Estes
- In Texas, Ex-Oil and Gas Workers Champion Geothermal Energy as a Replacement for Fossil-Fueled Power Plants
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Long-shot Democrat ends campaign for North Dakota governor
Ranking
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Medicaid expansion plans and school funding changes still alive in Mississippi Legislature
- Nicole Richie Calls Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden's Baby Boy the Absolute Cutest
- California law would give employees the 'right to disconnect' during nonworking hours
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Mega Millions winning numbers in April 2 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $67 million
- Chance the Rapper and Wife Kirsten Corley Break Up After 5 Years of Marriage
- House Republicans launch longshot effort to rename Dulles Airport to honor Donald Trump
Recommendation
What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
Tesla sales drop as competition in the electric vehicle market heats up
Finland school shooting by 12-year-old leaves 1 student dead and wounds 2 others, all also 12, police say
Travis Kelce announces lineup for Kelce Jam music festival. Will Taylor Swift attend?
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Shannen Doherty is getting rid of her possessions amid breast cancer journey
Police find nearly 200 fentanyl pills hidden in Easter eggs, Alabama man arrested
Inter Miami keeps fans anxious with vague Messi injury updates before Champions Cup match