By Heidi Ganahl | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The Colorado Republican Party’s newly elected leadership, led by Chair Brita Horn, is battling a desperate power grab by ex-Chairman David Williams and his allies. They refuse to let go despite the Colorado Republican State Central Committee’s (SCC) move to dismiss a contentious lawsuit.
Horn, alongside allies Nancy Pallozzi and Todd Watkins, champions a fresh start, but Williams’ appointees—particularly the shadowy Colorado Republican State Party Controversy Investigative Committee (CRSPCIC) led by Matt Arnold—are digging in, in a legal standoff that seems more about ego than justice.
The roots lie in 2024’s chaotic primaries, where Williams’ endorsed candidates didn’t fare well (14 of 18 lost). This sparked former Jefferson County GOP Chair Nancy Pallozzi and former El Paso County Vice Chair Todd Watkins to gather over 25% of the SCC for a special meeting to remove him—a right upheld by bylaws (CF 20, Art. VII, Section D).
Williams sidestepped it with a July 19 meeting, recessed to August 31, then sued to block their July 27 alternative.
The Arapahoe County District Court tossed his case on August 16, 2024, ruling it lacked jurisdiction under C.R.S. § 1-3-106(1) since the SCC, not Williams’ Executive Committee (EC), holds final say—a victory for his opponents, who argued party disputes belong with members, not courts.
Fast forward to 2025.
Williams appealed (Case No. 24CA1484), but the March 11, 2025, brief cites his own admissions (TR 22-23), proving ’s authority remains paramount.
In February, Williams, Hope Scheppelman and Anna Ferguson sued in El Paso County (Case No. 2025CV30292), targeting Horn, Pallozzi, Watkins, Eli Bremer, Kevin McCarney and Kristi Burton Brown for an alleged 2024 coup, claiming over $100,000 in damages.
That’s when CRSPCIC, a Williams-created “sub-committee” under Matt Arnold, was launched – right before the State Central Committee meeting last week to select leadership.
To the shock of Williams and his previous team, Brita Horn won the support of the State Central Committee. Williams’ heir apparent fell short, along with his Vice Chair and Secretary running for reelection.
The Central Committee sent a message: it’s time for a change.
Horn has promised renewal, but Williams’ “smooth” transition pledge has proved hollow—missed meetings, vague responses and blocked access has greeted the new team.
But back to the lawsuit. On April 2, CRSPCIC moved to join or intervene.
However, the SCC, under Horn, has moved to dismiss the suit with prejudice, branding CRSPCIC a rogue outfit with no standing.
Watkins hails this as vindication. “Williams and his hangers-on can’t accept the party’s moved on,” Watkins said.
The SCC argues CRSPCIC lacks legitimacy: Horn disbanded it, its creation via a 2024 dispute resolution (Controversy No. 24-006) was an ultra vires power grab by ex-officers facing ouster, and its claims are futile under Colorado’s anti-SLAPP laws.
The SCC calls it a “permanent, independent rogue sub-committee” meant to outlast Williams’ tenure, subverting new leadership and bypassing bylaw amendment rules—a “de-facto coup” by yesterday’s men.
CRSPCIC’s 44-page April 2 motion claims a “fiduciary duty” to the SCC.
Horn’s team counters it as fiction—born of Williams’ desperation, not statute.
Others also see CRSPCIC’s effort to continue a lawsuit that SCC seeks to end as a last gasp. “This isn’t justice—it’s a tantrum by losers clinging to power,” Watkins said, noting CRSPCIC’s overlap with Williams’ allies.
“The First Amendment protects freedom of association,” said Watkins, noting that per Cal. Democratic Party v. Jones (2000) party members, not rogue ex-officials, govern.
As the Court of Appeals weighs Williams’ 2024 appeal and El Paso County sifts through this mess, the stakes loom large.
A SCC win closes out Williams’ legacy, empowering Horn’s team to heal a battered party.
Critics see CRSPCIC as a symptom of his refusal to fade, its overreach risking donor fatigue and member disillusionment.
“The party’s spoken,” Watkins said. “Williams’ crew needs to listen.”
Horn says she’s ready to move forward and get to work executing her plan, supported by a GOP desperate for unity.
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