Politics
Colorado GOP officer steps down after backing unaffiliated candidate Lopez
Russ Andrews resigned as Colorado Republican Party secretary after endorsing unaffiliated gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez, acknowledging the endorsement violated party bylaws. The departure adds to a series of leadership changes as the party prepares for the Nov. 3 election.
Colorado Republican Party Secretary Russ Andrews resigned Monday, days after endorsing unaffiliated gubernatorial candidate Greg Lopez over the party’s nominee, Victor Marx. Andrews said his endorsement breached party bylaws and that his resignation took effect immediately.
“I endorsed Greg Lopez because I thought it was the right thing to do, and I resigned because I thought it was the right thing to do,” Andrews said. He added that no one had forced him to leave.
Andrews, who was serving his second term as one of the party’s three statewide officers, said in his resignation letter that he knowingly violated rules governing party officers. He said he remained a Republican and committed to conservative values, adding: “The party may have my resignation. It will not have my conscience.”
The gubernatorial contest also includes Democratic nominee Phil Weiser, Colorado’s term-limited attorney general. The general election is Nov. 3; Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, is also term-limited.
Colorado GOP Chair Craig Steiner, elected in May to replace Brita Horn, said the party’s state central committee will meet after the election to choose a new secretary. Party spokeswoman Mary Elizabeth Fabian said the party would continue supporting Andrews’ campaign for House District 57, where he is challenging Democratic Rep. Elizabeth Velasco. The district includes Garfield and Pitkin counties and part of Eagle County.
Andrews said the party owes him more than $9,000 in mileage reimbursements dating to Horn’s tenure as chair. He said he expects to be paid, while acknowledging the party’s recent fundraising difficulties.
The Colorado GOP is facing broader financial and leadership challenges. Its federal committee reported just under $75,000 in cash and more than $270,000 in debt at the end of August. The Colorado Democratic Party’s federal committee reported more than $900,000 on hand and no debt for the same period.
Andrews is the fourth state party officer to leave since the leadership team was elected about 18 months ago. Horn resigned in March after losing multiple no-confidence votes, and two vice chairs had previously stepped down, citing difficulties working with her.
State GOP Vice Chair Eric Grossman said Andrews’ departure reflects deep divisions in the party. He said rebuilding is overdue and plans to make an announcement after the November election.