House Republicans on Thursday chose Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese of Colorado Springs as the caucus’ next minority leader.

She will immediately assume the post.

Pugliese was chosen via a secret ballot, winning 11 out of 19 votes on the second round.

Rep. Don Wilson of Monument made the nomination for Pugliese, with Rep. Rick Taggart of Grand Junction providing the second. 

In her comments to the caucus, Pugliese pledged to work for all of the members. 

“I love this caucus and want to see it grow,” she said. “I know the importance of the cause. I still believe in the cause,” she said.

She believes in the power of caucus unity, she said, adding that was demonstrated last Friday, when Republicans stood against the “Roe v. Wade Anniversary Day” resolution offered by Democrats.

The other nominees were Rep. Ken DeGraaf of Colorado Springs, who was nominated by Rep. Brandi Bradley of Roxborough Park and seconded by Rep. Scott Bottoms of Colorado Springs. Also nominated was Rep. Matt Soper of Delta, who was backed by Rep. Marc Catlin of Montrose and DeGraaf.  

On the first ballot, Pugliese got eight votes, Soper got six and DeGraaf five. Under the rules, DeGraaf was eliminated and the caucus quickly went to a second ballot.

In a statement Thursday, the new minority leader said she is “humbled and honored by the support of our caucus and ready to lead the fight against the continued failed Democratic policies that have increased the price of groceries, allowed property taxes to rise dramatically and have made our state unaffordable for so many families across Colorado.”

Pugliese added that “Republicans stand united in our desire to chart a different path in our state and we are working hard on policies that deliver on our commitment to make Colorado more affordable, safer, and ensure parental rights and educational choice are priorities.”

She thanked her predecessor, Rep. Mike Lynch, for his hard work and leadership, noting he has served the country since entering West Point. “I am grateful for his leadership fighting to make our state and country” safer and more prosperous.

Pugliese stepped into the role after Lynch stepped down on Wednesday, a week after news broke that he had been arrested in late September 2022 for driving under the influence, speeding and being in possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

About six weeks after the arrest and following the unexpected death of House Minority Leader Hugh McKean, Lynch was elected minority leader. He did not disclose he had been arrested. He pleaded guilty a month later to lesser charges and was sentenced to 150 hours of community service and 15 months of probation.

The last several days have been chaotic, with Lynch’s critics attempting to force a vote of no confidence and remove him from his position.

The first attempt, which took place on Monday, resulted in a 9-9 tie, with Rep. Stephanie Luck of Penrose not voting. Her allies later said she was on the phone and ready to vote when the meeting was suddenly ended.

That led to a second try on Tuesday, with Rep. Scott Bottoms again seeking a caucus meeting to force a vote. 

That failed when not enough Republicans showed to constitute a quorum. 

Friday, House Republicans will meet again to choose a new assistant House minority leader.