By BRIAN PORTER | Rocky Mountain Voice
Citing a nationwide shortage of attorneys and an inability to hire and retain them, along with for political and personal reasons, 7th Judicial District Attorney Seth Ryan, a Republican, is resigning.
He gave a little more than a one-month notice and will not be in place on Election Day. Jessica Waggoner serves as the assistant district attorney, although it was not made clear whether she would lead the office following Ryan’s departure.
The 7th Judicial District includes the counties of Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel. There are 77,286 registered, active voters in those counties.
“There is a nationwide and statewide shortage of attorneys that has been exacerbated by an economy that has shown historically low unemployment, labor supply and inflation,” Ryan wrote in a resignation letter placed on the 7th Judicial District’s website.
Ryan’s name will appear on ballots in the 7th Judicial District, Secretary of State Jena Griswold’s office announced, because his withdrawal from the election occurred after Sept. 9, when the ballot was certified.
“I have truly cherished my 17 years at the district attorney’s office and the people I have worked with, most especially my loyal staff who have exhibited unwavering support and made tremendous sacrifices during these past few years,” Ryan said. “I thank them for working tirelessly with integrity, respect and in collaboration. I am proud of the work I have accomplished during my career as a prosecutor, zealously promoting justice for the most innocent victims in our communities.”
Should the Colorado Republican Party choose to nominate a replacement for Ryan, as permissible by law, that person would receive the votes for Ryan, Griswold’s office said in announcing the withdrawal.
Because no Democrat was nominated to seek election, technically no one is seeking election for the post presently.
Ballots for military and overseas voters were printed and distributed Sept. 21. Ryan’s announcement was dated Sept. 23.
He first cited the “COVID pandemic” and “political aftermath of current events” for making it difficult to “find, recruit, and retain qualified attorneys.”
That has included, over the past four years, a turnover rate of 32% annually in his office and a 56% rate in 2024.
“It is no longer sustainable for me to cover the daily requirements of court schedules across our nearly 10,000 square-mile district while effectively managing, developing and supervising staff; circumstances beyond my control cannot be overcome,” Ryan wrote.
He additionally cited other personal reasons for resigning.
“This year has taken a significant toll on my physical and mental health, and after difficult and thoughtful conversations with my family, I will resign,” Ryan wrote.
His resignation is effective at 5 p.m. Oct. 31, marking his final day in office.
An email from the Rocky Mountain Voice to Republican Party Chairman Dave Williams for comment and to determine the process for naming a ballot replacement to Ryan was not immediately returned.