Colorado GOP chair ousted in a contentious vote that he dismisses as a ‘sham’

DENVER (AP) — Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams, who has tried to push the state party to extremes, was ousted over the weekend in a vote that he called illegitimate, precipitating a leadership standoff as the November election looms.

William’s tenure as chair led to party infighting as he leaned into public attacks against fellow Republicans who didn’t fit his idea of ultraconservative or endorse his extreme tactics echoing those of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The fight mirrors a national split in the GOP between more traditional Republicans and a more combative flank comprising politicians such as Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.

It also shows the challenges that such extreme politics face in Colorado. Opposition to Williams’ methods grew as the party under his leadership endorsed certain Republican primary candidates over others, a move that state parties tend to avoid, at least publicly.

Williams is also accused of using state party resources to benefit his own failed congressional primary election bid, and was criticized for refusing to step down as party chair after joining the race. Emails and posts from the party attacking the LGBTQ community, including a call to burn pride flags, were also met with disappointment from some fellow Republicans.

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