NEW SENATE MAJORITY LEADER SIGNALS GROWING INFLUENCE OF PROGRESSIVE WING IN COLORADO
In a caucus meeting held Friday, Democratic state Sen. Robert Rodriguez of Denver was selected by his colleagues to be Colorado's next Senate majority leader. This decision marks a significant shift within the Democratic Party, as Rodriguez received overwhelming support from the more progressive members of the caucus.
After gaining seats in the 2022 election, Democrats now hold a 23-12 advantage in the state Senate. With a wider majority, the progressive Democrat believes that the caucus will be more settled when the legislature convenes next January.
New Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez of Denver (left), stands with Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter and Senate President Steve Fenberg, Sept. 8, 2023.
The vacancy for the majority leader position arose when former state Sen. Dominick Moreno stepped down to assume the role of Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's deputy chief of staff.
During the previous session, progressive lawmakers faced frustration as some Senate committees, despite the Democratic near supermajority, obstructed or diluted several progressive priorities. Rodriguez acknowledges to Colorado Public Radio that there may be lessons to learn from the minority party and has expressed a willingness to consider their amendments on bills. He stated, "If there's something we missed that’s not a terrible idea, then why not accept it?"
Rodriguez barely beat out state Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, who chairs the influential joint budget committee and is in her final year at the statehouse. The voting process was conducted by a secret ballot, ensuring anonymity for the participating senators.
Friday's election put to an end several weeks of negotiations that drew at least four candidates for the majority leader position. In addition to Rodriguez, the candidates included Winter, Sens. Janet Buckner of Aurora and Rachel Zenzinger of Arvada.
Additionally, Sen. Faith Winter of Broomfield was elected as the assistant majority leader during the same meeting. Notably, Winter had initially expressed her interest in the majority leader role but ultimately nominated Rodriguez for the position. In turn, Rodriguez nominated Winter to serve as the assistant majority leader.
With Rodriguez's election as the state Senate majority leader, Colorado Democrats have signaled a growing influence of the progressive wing within their ranks.