“We don’t believe there has been any fraud,” stated Al Gage, a key official at the recent Colorado Republican Assembly held in Pueblo. This affirmation came amidst a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over election integrity, as the assembly gathered over 2,200 delegates to determine which candidates would advance to the primary election ballot.
Scott Bottoms emerged as a frontrunner, securing an impressive 45% of the delegates, while Victor Marx followed closely with 39%. With a threshold of 30% required to move forward, both candidates have positioned themselves as serious contenders in the upcoming June 30 primary election.
The assembly was a pivotal moment for the Republican Party in Colorado, which has not won a statewide election since 2016 and has not held the governorship since 2002. Eleven gubernatorial candidates competed for a chance to be on the ballot, reflecting a robust interest in revitalizing the party’s presence in state politics.
In addition to the gubernatorial race, the assembly saw significant delegate outcomes for other key positions. Michael Allen secured 64% of the delegates for attorney general, while David Wilson garnered 36%. James Wiley stood out as the only candidate qualifying for the secretary of state primary ballot with 71% of the delegates, showcasing his strong support among party members.
Kevin Grantham was nominated for state treasurer by voice vote, indicating a unified front among delegates for this position. Meanwhile, Mark Baisley was the sole candidate for U.S. Senate to qualify for the ballot, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the assembly and the importance of these elections.
As the primary election approaches, candidates and their supporters are ramping up efforts to engage voters. Cherrie Brown, a supporter of Bottoms, remarked, “He’s been open and honest about his values,” highlighting the importance of transparency in this election cycle. Voter engagement is crucial, especially in a state where Republicans are eager to reclaim lost ground.
With only 46 days remaining until the primary, the focus will shift to mobilizing voters and ensuring they are informed about their rights and options. Mark Wlaschin emphasized the importance of outreach, stating, “We are trying to reach out to make sure they are aware of their rights and what is available to them.” This proactive approach aims to empower voters as they prepare to cast their ballots.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the outcomes of this assembly will undoubtedly influence the direction of the Republican Party in Colorado. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on the candidates as they navigate the final weeks leading up to the primary election.
