Colorado GOP Chair Removed in Controversial Vote He Calls a ‘Sham’

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Republican Party underwent significant upheaval over the weekend when Chairman Dave Williams was removed from his position in a vote he labeled as illegitimate. This leadership change comes as the party prepares for the upcoming November elections, indicating a deepening rift within its ranks.

Williams, who has pushed the party towards more extreme positions, has faced criticism from within the GOP. His tenure has seen sharp public criticisms directed at fellow Republicans who did not align with his ultraconservative views or support his aggressive tactics, often reminiscent of those employed by Donald Trump. This internal strife reflects a broader national trend where traditional Republicans are at odds with a more combative faction represented by figures like Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz from Florida.

The unease over Williams’ leadership grew as he endorsed specific candidates in the Republican primaries, a decision typically avoided by state parties that usually maintain an impartial stance. Additionally, Williams faced allegations of misusing party resources to support his unsuccessful congressional primary campaign, and there was backlash regarding his refusal to resign from the chair position while still competing in the race.

His leadership also sparked controversy with inflammatory remarks aimed at the LGBTQ community, which some party members found alarming. For instance, there were calls from the party’s communications to burn pride flags, leading to further dissatisfaction among moderate Republicans.

Ultimately, this rising disdain for Williams resulted in a vote on Saturday where around 180 members of the state party’s central committee, or their proxies, opted to remove him from the chair position. Williams, however, criticized the gathering as a “sham” and claimed that it did not represent the true party membership, arguing that a significant portion of the 400-member committee was absent from the vote.

In a text message, Williams stated, “This fringe minority faction knows they cannot get their way in a fair meeting where the rules are fairly administered.” His assertion suggested that the conflict hinges on interpretations of party bylaws, and the matter may eventually require mediation from the Republican National Committee.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), which focuses on electing Republicans to the U.S. House, has indicated it will recognize the vote and the newly appointed leadership. In response, Williams dismissed the NRCC’s authority in this situation, claiming they possess “no authority to do anything.”

During his time as GOP chair, Williams also campaigned for a U.S. House seat representing Colorado Springs, located about an hour south of Denver. Although he garnered attention and an endorsement from Trump, he ultimately lost to a more centrist Republican candidate.

This leadership turmoil within the Colorado GOP underscores the challenges faced by the party as it navigates intense ideological divides. The outcome of this power struggle may not only determine the direction of the state party but could also have implications for their performance in the approaching elections.

The internal conflicts and emphasis on extreme positions have raised questions about the sustainability of such tactics, especially in a state like Colorado, which has increasingly tilted towards more moderate and democratic views in recent years.