DENVER– This morning, the Colorado Senate Republicans elected a new caucus leadership team.
At the start of the 75th General Assembly, the leadership of the Colorado Senate Republicans will be as follows:
- Minority Leader – Senator Paul Lundeen (R – Monument)
- Assistant Minority Leader – Cleave Simpson (R – Alamosa)
- Caucus Chair – Byron Pelton (R – Sterling)
- Minority Whip – Janice Rich (R – Grand Junction)
- JBC Member – Barbara Kirkmeyer (R – Weld County)
“Our caucus is uniquely diverse in representing a wide array of perspectives, expertise, and experience from every corner of state,” Senator Lundeen said. “This caucus now carries the heavy mantle of applying this expertise into service, not just to our own constituents, but to the entire state. I am grateful for this team and I am eager to get back to work to bring relief for the people of Colorado.
“I am thankful to again be working with my colleagues to serve the people of Colorado,” Senator Simpson said. “I am grateful to be part of such a strong team, and I am looking forward to working with the new members of our caucus, and the new perspectives that they will bring. I am looking forward to making this team of 12 to be even stronger, and being an even greater force here at the state Capitol.”
“I appreciate my colleagues vesting me with the task of chairing this caucus,” Senator B. Pelton said. “I look forward to serving this caucus and ensuring we are best equipped to deliver the solutions the people of Colorado are owed. I am glad to bring a rural perspective to our leadership team.”
“I want to say thank you to my colleagues for bestowing me with this important responsibility,” Senator Rich remarked. “The people of Colorado in all corners of our state are still crying for relief– our caucus of twelve will once again be the driving force that delivers it to them. I am proud to be part of this leadership team and I am grateful to be part of this caucus.”
“I want to thank my colleagues for once again nominating me to serve on the Joint Budget Committee,” said Senator Kirkmeyer. “As we have seen in the recent forecast and in the Governor’s budget requests, next session we will face numerous hurdles and challenges, especially concerning the funding of our state’s healthcare system and education. I am looking forward to facing these challenges and ensuring our state’s students and most vulnerable are not forgotten.”
This morning, the Senate Republicans also welcomed the three newest members who will join the caucus next year.
Current state Representative Lisa Frizell will join the Senate Republican Caucus, replacing Senator Jim Smallwood (R – Parker) in Senate District 2, who is term limited.
Also joining the Senate Republicans is current Representative Marc Caitlin (R – Montrose), who will serve in Senate District 5. Senator Perry Will (R – New Castle), who currently holds the seat, chose not to seek reelection earlier this year.
Scott Bright (R – Platteville) will join the Senate Republican caucus replacing Democrat state Senator Kevin Priola (D – Henderson).
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