Marianne Goodland at Colorado Politics reports that the Colorado Secretary of State has ruled the House District 14 vacancy process invalid because – wait for it – Republicans in El Paso County forgot to count to ten. State statute requires a minimum of ten days’ notice to vacancy committee members. The HD14 committee gave just seven. As a result, Ava Flanell’s selection is void, and the process must be repeated by October 15. If they fail? Gov. Jared Polis gets to pick a replacement for one of the most Republican districts in the state.
Flanell had already beaten Joe Woyte in a second ballot, filed paperwork for 2026, and was ready to serve. Instead, she’s on ice because the local party can’t follow the rules. This is not just sloppy – it’s a neon sign broadcasting GOP incompetence in a year when the party can’t afford it.
The Bullet Point Brief
- State law requires ten days’ notice for vacancy committee members. El Paso GOP gave seven. Congratulations, you played yourselves.
- Ava Flanell was duly elected by the committee, filed for 2026, and looked like a solid choice – now she’s sidelined.
- If the redo isn’t finished by October 15, Gov. Polis gets to appoint a Republican seat. Yes, Democrats are laughing already.
- El Paso County GOP’s reputation for infighting and power games continues, now reinforced with math errors.
- Republicans who can’t follow bylaws and statutes are handing wins to Democrats without them having to campaign.
My Bottom Line
This is truly disappointing. Ava Flanell would have been a strong addition to the Colorado House. Instead, once again, Colorado Republicans look like they couldn’t find their ass with both hands. And believe me, I know how nerve-racking this is. I chaired the HD64 vacancy committee – it’s stressful, it’s exacting, and you have to juggle district bylaws, state party rules, and statute. But you have to get it right. Because when you don’t, you end up exactly here: handing Jared Polis the chance to pick a Republican legislator.
This is what the El Paso GOP does best: infighting, power games, and now arithmetic malpractice. Every time this party pulls a stunt like this, it confirms the stereotype that Republicans can’t govern. Democrats didn’t beat Ava Flanell. The GOP beat itself. Again.
