By RMV Staff | Rocky Mountain Voice
In a move that marks the end of an era for one of the most outspoken conservatives in the Colorado legislature, House Minority Whip Ryan Armagost announced Monday that he will officially resign his seat in House District 64, effective September 1.
A former sheriff’s deputy, gun rights advocate, and steady voice against progressive overreach, Armagost cited personal and professional reasons for his departure. “As difficult as this decision is, it comes at a time when I must prioritize my life, health, and happiness,” he said in a written statement. The lawmaker has accepted a job opportunity in Arizona, where he also plans to relocate his firearms training business and join the board of a national Second Amendment advocacy group.
But for those watching the political tides in Colorado, Armagost’s departure is more than just personal—it leaves a void in leadership at a time when conservatives are already outnumbered in the statehouse. As the No. 3 Republican in the House, Armagost helped lead the GOP’s resistance to controversial bills on gender ideology, abortion expansion, gun control, and government spending during one of the most radical legislative sessions in recent memory.
“Serving you has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said in a message to constituents in Mead, Johnstown, Milliken, and Greeley—communities that make up the deep-red House District 64. “I’m proud of what we’ve done together, and I leave confident that the spirit of liberty in this district will only grow stronger.”
House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese (R-Colorado Springs) praised her colleague, saying, “He will certainly be missed, and I wish him all the best in future endeavors.”
Understanding District 64: The Heartland of Conservative Colorado
House District 64 isn’t just Republican—it’s rural, independent, and fiercely values-driven. It covers Mead, Johnstown, Milliken, and parts of Greeley, with nearly 90,000 residents—about 77% white, 22% Hispanic. Though 44% of voters are unaffiliated, most vote solidly conservative.
That’s why Armagost’s resignation matters beyond the party. In a district where gun rights, parental authority, and rural livelihoods are front and center, the seat carries serious weight. Republicans have won here by wide margins for years—Armagost took over 62% of the vote in 2022. But even as Democrats make gains statewide, including in some suburban areas of Weld and Larimer Counties, this pocket of Colorado has remained a bulwark for grassroots conservatism.
Whoever fills Armagost’s seat won’t just be stepping into a role—they’ll be inheriting the trust of one of the most staunchly conservative constituencies in the state.
What Happens Next?
Armagost’s resignation means a vacancy committee will now be convened to select his replacement. This process—often overlooked by voters—has become increasingly common in Colorado politics. Nearly 1 in 5 lawmakers in the state legislature today were seated not through an election, but through a vacancy appointment.
With Democrats firmly in control of both chambers, who fills Armagost’s seat matters. District 64 remains a Republican stronghold, but its next representative will need to carry the mantle of fighting for parental rights, the Second Amendment, and fiscal sanity in a chamber increasingly hostile to all three.
The timing also matters. With the 2026 legislative session just six months away, the GOP will be gearing up for another battle under the Gold Dome. Who steps into Armagost’s shoes could shape how that fight unfolds—not just for District 64, but for conservatives across the state.
As Armagost steps into a new chapter in Arizona, Colorado’s conservative grassroots will be watching closely to see who’s next to pick up the torch.