This week, I announce my resignation from the Colorado Republican Central Committee. This decision was not made lightly. After deep reflection, I’ve come to recognize a hard truth: the party’s current leadership prioritizes divisive rhetoric and self-serving politics over the real needs of the people and would rather rule over a graveyard than a cohesive state.

I remain a Republican because I still believe in the principles that first drew me to the party — liberty, fiscal responsibility and public service. But I can no longer stand behind a system whose leadership has abandoned these values. I am stepping away from my role in the party to reaffirm what it means to be a Republican and to encourage others to join me in building a movement focused on integrity, unity and progress.

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This decision is rooted in one undeniable truth: Colorado deserves better. Our state needs leaders who rise above partisan gridlock, listen to their constituents and tackle the real challenges affecting families, communities and businesses.

Defining the Republican I will be

I believe in a Republican Party that values opportunity, personal responsibility and service to the greater good. Being a Republican means standing for limited yet effective government, empowering individuals to thrive and creating an environment where everyone — regardless of background — has the chance to succeed.

But being a Republican should also mean embracing honesty, rejecting division and putting people above politics. It’s time to move beyond the culture wars that distract from meaningful progress and refocus on solutions that truly improve lives.

To my fellow Republicans: It’s time to lead with courage and principle, not with fear and rhetoric. Let’s build a party that values collaboration over conflict and solutions over soundbites. Let’s be the leaders Coloradans deserve.

A vision for Colorado’s future

As I consider jumping into the governor’s race my vision for Colorado is clear: we need unity and practical solutions to create a brighter future. Imagine a state where we:

• Invest in infrastructure: Build a high-speed rail system from Trinidad to Fort Collins, connecting communities and reducing traffic.
• Provide tax relief: Eliminate state income tax to ease financial burdens on families while ensuring essential services are maintained.
• Ensure food security: Address food deserts so all communities have access to healthy, affordable food.
• Support families: Fund state childcare and mental health services to protect our children and strengthen communities.
• Safeguard water resources: Construct a desalination plant to secure water access for ranchers and reduce pressure on natural waterways.
• Foster economic growth: Create business-friendly tax policies to attract companies while preserving Colorado’s character.
• Promote responsible energy: Increase oil and gas production responsibly, balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
• Honor our heroes: Extend property tax exemptions to first responders, teachers and veterans in gratitude for their service.
• Expand affordable housing: Cut unnecessary regulations to lower housing costs, helping teachers and first-time buyers find homes.
• Support farmers and ranchers: Exempt them from taxes to sustain those who feed and fuel our state.

These are not Republican or Democratic goals — they are Colorado goals. They reflect the priorities of hardworking parents, educators, small business owners, and workers who simply want a better life for themselves and their families.

A call to action

To my fellow Coloradans: Demand better. Let’s hold our leaders accountable —on both sides of the aisle — to rise above petty divisions and focus on the work that truly matters.

To those who feel disillusioned or unheard: Join me in redefining what leadership looks like. Let’s build a Republican Party — and a Colorado — that listens, collaborates and delivers real results.

The road ahead won’t be easy, but together, we can build a state where opportunity and equity are not just ideals but realities. Let’s move forward — not as Republicans or Democrats, but as neighbors united by a shared love for our state.

Let’s learn to build together.

Joshua Griffin is a veteran advocate and former candidate for the GOP nomination for House District 21 in southern El Paso County. A U.S. Army veteran, his service included 14 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He also played football for the Colorado State University Rams while continuing to serve active duty.