GOP Lawmaker Resigns Suddenly Over Scandalous Photo Of Dem Colleague

Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, the top Republican in the state House, announced Monday that she is resigning from her post after a turbulent year marked by Democrat stonewalling during a special session and controversy surrounding a fellow GOP lawmaker.

In a heartfelt letter to supporters, Pugliese cited her children as her reason for stepping away from public life:

“I have spent the months reflecting on my life choices, especially in relation to my children. As a single mom, I raise my two children on my own. I am all that they have. There is nothing more important in my life than them. They have made so many sacrifices for me to be able to represent you. But they also need their mom right now, and I need to keep them safe.”

Pugliese rose to leadership in 2024 after her predecessor, Rep. Mike Lynch, resigned for failing to disclose a drunk driving arrest. She quickly became a strong voice for Republicans in the statehouse, regularly clashing with Democrats over their heavy-handed policymaking during special sessions.

Her departure comes amid controversy involving former GOP Whip Ryan Armagost, who resigned earlier this summer after admitting to secretly photographing a Democrat colleague. Armagost shared the image in a group chat where other Republicans were present, though Pugliese did not participate in the remarks and eventually removed him from his leadership role.

Democrats and their media allies have since used the incident to smear Republican leadership as a whole, even though Pugliese condemned the behavior and acted decisively once she learned of it.

Meanwhile, Rep. Yara Zokaie, the Democrat photographed, said the episode led to vulgar remarks online and even threats. She also acknowledged that, as a progressive activist and public figure, criticism of her appearance is something she has “learned to endure.”

Pugliese’s exit follows that of Colorado Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen, who stepped down earlier this year to join a conservative organization. Together, the resignations reflect a shifting dynamic in Colorado Republican politics as the party faces constant hostility from the Democrat majority and an entrenched left-wing media culture.

Her legacy in leadership is likely to be remembered less for the Democrat-driven controversies and more for her willingness to stand her ground on conservative principles in a legislature dominated by the Left.