Denver, CO - Colorado Senate Republicans elected Senator Lisa Frizell (Castle Rock) to serve as Senate Minority Leader on Saturday, November 14. The caucus also elected its assistant minority leader, minority whip and caucus chair. Sen. Barb Kirkmeyer (Weld) will continue to represent Senate Republicans on the Joint Budget Committee for the 2027 legislative session.
| Position | Senator |
|---|---|
| Senate Minority Leader | Sen. Lisa Frizell, Castle Rock |
| Assistant Senate Minority Leader | Sen. Byron Pelton, Sterling |
| Senate Minority Whip | Sen. Janice Rich, Grand Junction |
| Senate Republican Caucus Chair | Sen. Scott Bright, Platteville |
| Joint Budget Committee Member | Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, Weld County |
“I’m grateful to my colleagues for trusting me to lead this caucus,” said Senator Frizell. “When a family opens a higher utility bill or a small business owner wonders whether they can afford to hire someone, decisions we make at the Capitol matter. Our job this session is to ask what each proposal will cost, who will pay for it and how we can do better for the people we represent.”
Senator Frizell succeeds Senator Cleave Simpson of Alamosa. Earlier this week, Gov.-elect Phil Weiser announced his intent to nominate Simpson to serve as Colorado’s commissioner of agriculture. The caucus is grateful for Sen. Cleave Simpson's passion and dedication to the Senate over the years and wish him good luck in his future.
"It was a great honor to serve as the Minority Leader for the Senate Republicans," said Senator Simpson. "I look forward to continuing to make an impact in our state as the Agriculture Commissioner, and I leave the Senate with peace of mind, knowing Coloradans are in good hands with the newly elected leadership team. They will continue to focus on making life easier, more affordable, and more prosperous for all Coloradans."
About the Colorado State Senate Republican Caucus
The Colorado Senate Republican Caucus is committed to advancing common-sense solutions that make Colorado safer, more affordable, and full of opportunity. Senate Republicans work to protect individual liberty, promote responsible government, strengthen families and communities, and ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to succeed.