Colorado Republican Party Chair Faces Backlash for Dual Role in CD5 and Republican Primary
In a move that has ignited controversy within the Colorado GOP, State Chairman Dave Williams announced his bid to succeed U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn in the state's 5th Congressional District – not for the announcement but in their details.
Williams, a former state legislator and representative of eastern Colorado Springs, made the announcement through an official Colorado Republican Party email on Monday morning, raising concerns among party members.
The Williams' campaign announcement has sparked concern on social media, with many calling for him to step down from his position as state party chair.
Critics argue that his use of state party resources for personal political ambitions is a clear display of "swampy" ethics. The optics of sending the announcement under the Colorado Republican State Party brand have only fueled the fire.
In his announcement, Williams emphasized the need for a new congressman who will tirelessly fight for the interests of regular workers and families, while resisting the corrupt power brokers of the DC establishment. However, the way he has chosen to pursue this objective has raised questions about his commitment to ethical conduct.
Williams previously ran against Lamborn in the 2022 GOP primary and was unsuccessful in his bid.
According to Williams, Colorado GOP bylaws allow him to retain his position as state chair during the primary election. In his email, Williams assured party members that the leadership will ensure fairness, transparency, and averted conflicts of interest as additional candidates enter the race for the 5th District.
The state party executive committee has yet to publicly weigh-in on this assertion.
The 5th District, which encompasses Colorado Springs and has historically leaned Republican, holds significance in this upcoming election. With Lamborn having held the seat since 2006, the fight for the district's representation is crucial for Republicans.
There are already many bonafide strong Republican candidates looking at running for the CD5 seat.
Williams is a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and has continued to promote him, ignoring other Republican presidential choices.
READ MORE:
COLORADO GOP FACES CRITICISM AND SHORTFALL IN RECENT FEC FILINGS
COLORADO LEGISLATORS PLAY KEY ROLE IN OUSTING HOUSE SPEAKER KEVIN MCCARTHY
COLORADO GOP FACES CONTROVERSY AS CHAIRMAN ATTEMPTS TO BYPASS PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
The dual role Williams intends to play in the CD5 Republican primary raises ethical questions and many appear concerned that it could undermine the trust of party members. As critics explain on social media, the state party chair’s primary responsibility should be to support all Republican candidates, even those he’s campaigning against in CD5, rather than prioritizing his personal political aspirations.