The ongoing power struggle within the Colorado Republican Party has taken a dramatic turn as State Chair Dave Williams emerged victorious in a recent court ruling. The El Paso County judge determined that a vote to oust Williams was invalid, allowing him to retain his position amid increasing tensions and internal conflict.
The controversy began last month when a faction of party members attempted to remove Williams, citing various controversies including allegations of misusing party resources for his congressional campaign and making inflammatory remarks against fellow Republicans and the LGBTQ+ community. In response to the attempted ousting, Eli Bremer, who was elected as Williams’ replacement, filed a lawsuit.
Judge Eric Bentley ruled that the removal process did not meet the party’s bylaws, which require a 60% majority of the Central Committee’s total membership for such actions. The judge stated, “To remove an officer, there must be a vote of three-fifths of the entire eligible voting membership.” This ruling effectively quashed Bremer’s claim to leadership for now.
In light of the ruling, Williams has promised retribution against those who sought his removal, including Bremer and El Paso County Vice Chair Todd Watkins. He issued a statement to central committee members threatening legal action against his opponents, framing their actions as an “unlawful coup.”
This internal conflict has left many Republican candidates frustrated, as they feel the party’s infighting undermines their electoral prospects. Political analyst Dick Wadhams criticized Williams’ leadership style, stating that the party seems more focused on personal ambitions than on electing Republicans.
“Williams’ actions have left nothing but wreckage in his wake,” Wadhams remarked. “The party exists solely to fulfill his ambitions.”
Despite the turmoil, some analysts predict that Republican candidates may still find success in upcoming congressional races. Democratic analyst Mike Dino noted that certain districts favor Republican candidates, although he questioned how Williams’ leadership would impact those chances.
As the party prepares for crucial elections this November, the discord within its ranks raises questions about its future direction. With a central committee meeting scheduled for March to elect new leadership, it remains uncertain whether Williams will maintain his position or if dissenting factions will gain enough support to effect change.
As Colorado Republicans navigate this tumultuous chapter, all eyes will be on how they unify—or further divide—leading up to Election Day.