Sen. Cleave Simpson will lead the chamber’s Republican caucus after the resignation of Sen. Paul Lundeen.
Simpson, from Alamosa, was reelected in 2024. He previously served as the assistant minority leader. The Republican caucus unanimously supported him as Senate minority leader Thursday evening.
“He’s been prepping for this moment, I think, for a while,” said Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, who nominated Simpson as caucus leader. “He’s thoughtful, he’s honest, he’s fair.”
Senate Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2 to 1. In his acceptance of the new position, Simpson said “the challenges are pretty immense and steep” but also pledged to fight for Republican values and to make Colorado more affordable, safer and better for business.
“Colorado deserves a strong voice from our perspective,” Simpson said. At the end of the caucus meeting, he added, “I think we are poised, as a group, to make a significant difference going forward.”
Simpson is a fourth-generation farmer and rancher in the San Luis Valley and works as the general manager of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District.
Lundeen stepped down Monday for a job leading a national advocacy foundation. He was term-limited next year.
Sen. Lisa Frizell of Castle Rock was elected to replace Simpson as assistant minority leader.
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