Senate Republican Leadership
Minority Leader
Cleave Simpson
(R-Alamosa)
Assistant Leader
Lisa Frizell
(R-Castle Rock)
Caucus Chair
Byron Pelton
(R-Sterling)
Minority Whip
Janice Rich
(R-Grand Junction)
Recent Press Releases
Clearing the path to modernize mental health care in Colorado
By Janice Rich and Matt Soper There is a mental health crisis unfolding in Colorado — a microcosm of a larger issue that is going on in America. According to Mental Health America, 26% of Colorado adults struggle with mental illness. Over the past 20 years, the...
Colorado House and Senate Republicans Open 2026 Legislative Session Focused on Affordability, Safety, and Opportunity
(Denver, CO – January 14, 2026) – Colorado House and Senate Republicans today opened the 2026 legislative session by outlining a unified vision centered on restoring affordability, strengthening public safety, protecting parental rights, and expanding...
Opening Day Speech by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson
Mister President, members of the Senate, distinguished guests, and the people of Colorado: As we open the 2026 legislative session, we do so at a remarkable crossroads in Colorado’s story. This year marks Colorado’s 150th anniversary of statehood, a milestone that...
Senate Republicans Announce Updated 2026 Committee Appointments
DENVER – Today, Minority Leader Simpson announced updated committee assignments for the Second Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly. Bold denotes ranking member Agriculture & Natural Resources, 7 members (4-3) Senator Rod Pelton (R – Cheyenne Wells) ...
Former Colorado State Senator Lewis H. Entz passed away at the age of 94.
Denver, Colorado — It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Lewis H. Entz, a respected public servant who dedicated decades of his life to the State of Colorado and served his community with distinction in both legislative and civic roles. Senator...
Rural Colorado health care receives the attention it deserves
By Senator Marc Catlin A $50 billion investment to fund rural health care was in jeopardy in mid-October, when members of the U.S. Senate attempted to strip out the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program in exchange for opening the U.S. government. The RHT program...