“God’s timing, not mine”: Rose Pugliese on closing one chapter and trusting what comes next

By Jen Schumann | Rocky Mountain Voice 

Rose Pugliese describes her resignation from the Colorado House as one of the hardest decisions of her life, shaped by prayer, sacrifice —  and the voices of her children.

“I truly want to follow God’s path and I think part of God’s path for me now is making sure I prioritize my children,” she explained.

For the House minority leader and single mom, that path now means stepping back from the Capitol and returning to Mesa County. Her choice, effective Sept. 15, came during a week she described as overwhelming — from the Evergreen school shooting to the assassination of Charlie Kirk to the grief of 9/11 remembrances. 

What finally cut through the politics was a child’s honesty. “Mommy, we feel like you’re not OK, and we want you to be OK.”

The guiding force of faith

Pugliese said her decision took shape after the contentious special session earlier this year. “I was really looking for peace, and I was praying so hard just for that peace.”

She said a verse of scripture soon became an anchor in her reflections. “My really good friend Sen. Janice Rich sent me a verse from the Bible. She knew I just needed some support. I’ve been reading it every day.”

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 

She described the verse as a daily reminder that stepping down was less about politics. And more about obedience to God’s direction.

Family sacrifices and breaking points

The personal cost of political life weighed heavily in her reflections. “I work three jobs outside the legislature, and also as the minority leader. And I’m raising two kids as a single mother. I don’t know if people realize how much sacrifice my children made for the people of Colorado.” 

One memory stood out. While Pugliese was on the House floor during the special session, her children were home alone when a stranger began pounding on the door. 

“Literally, we’re on the floor during the special session. And I had to come off the floor for a call. My children were crying, and were scared,” she recalled. “Being so far from them, and staying on the phone as they’re upset and scared, knowing I can’t do anything… that’s hard.”

That moment, combined with prayer, helped Pugliese decide that stepping back was the “next right move.”

Returning to Mesa County was part of that decision. “It’ll be in October, I’m just working out some final details,” Pugliese shared. “There’s a wealth of people who love us and support us, and I feel like we’ll have the support we need in Mesa County, surrounded by love and friends.”

A toxic environment in the legislature

In her resignation letter, Pugliese described the House as “toxic” and accused the majority of undermining integrity. In an exclusive interview with Rocky Mountain Voice, she expanded on that concern. 

“Questions around my integrity and character were very hurtful, and not warranted,” she stressed. “We’ve been called members of the KKK. We’ve been called Nazis.”

She pointed to a resolution from the special session as proof of the double standard. House Resolution 25B-1001 condemned the actions of former Rep. Ryan Armagost and pledged that lawmakers would treat one another with “dignity and respect” and keep disagreements on policy rather than personal attacks.

Pugliese said the reality in the chamber fell short of that standard. “The whole resolution they pushed through about how we need to put policy over people, while they allow their members to degrade my caucus, is just really disturbing.” 

Still, she urged a different spirit in Colorado politics. “On both sides, we have to make sure we find a path forward, especially in this political climate, to focus on what policies are right for the people of Colorado, even if we disagree, but not bring in people’s personalities.”

Her legislative legacy

Despite the adversity, Pugliese highlighted what she sees as a strong record. She pointed to the defeat of Proposition HH, a statewide ballot fight she co-led with Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer. “The grassroots activists really won this,” she said. “We were able to defeat the Democrats, the governor and all of his money by just getting our message to the people. I’ve always said when conservatives unite, we win every time.”

She also noted her property tax legislation, which she said offered relief to seniors and young families. And she singled out the Right to Try bill for individualized treatment. 

“Very few times can we say we actually passed legislation that will save lives, and this is that piece of legislation. It gives access to terminal patients — including terminal children — to life-saving medication they wouldn’t have had before.” 

Her first bill, a kinship placement law, was also close to her heart. “It reduces barriers to family members taking children in emergency placements. It opens foster homes for children who don’t have family members, and it keeps families together.”

National grief shaping her decision

Pugliese acknowledged that recent national tragedies played a role in her decision to step down. She pointed to the Evergreen school shooting, 9/11 remembrances —  and the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as moments that weighed heavily on her.

“What really stuck for me is that he had small children. And now his wife is a single mom who has to raise those kids without him. They lost their dad.” Pugliese continued, “I’ve been really saddened by some of the comments I’ve seen or heard where people have been less than kind about him and his life.”

For Pugliese, the assassination drove home the dangers of the current political climate. “The fact that a man was assassinated for trying to engage in nonviolent political discourse is just really troubling, to be honest.”

Comments posted by some after the assassination revealed the darker side of today’s culture. “I was raised, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. Maybe we all should just go back to our childhood roots.”

Future direction

Pugliese said stepping down doesn’t mean stepping away.“I will continue to be politically engaged, and I’m not out of the fight. I’m just going to fight differently.” 

The value of grassroots work hasn’t changed for Pugliese. “I’ve always said I believe in the power of the grassroots. I started as a grassroots organizer and activist and will continue to organize grassroots. We need to make sure we’re mobilizing our people to get our message out. It’s a march to the majority and I think we have the momentum to do it.”

She said she is ready to continue supporting Republicans through New Day Colorado, the fundraising group she took over as minority leader. “I will be there to support our caucus in whatever way they will have me. I’m excited about the work we’ve done and the progress made, with people actually investing and believing in the House again,” she offered.

Pugliese also stressed the importance of ongoing support for the Republican caucus. “They can donate to New Day. They can donate directly to candidates. We need time, talent and treasure for sure.” 

Looking longer term, she left the door open to elected office. “I still feel called for service, and public service is where my heart has been. We’ll just see what opportunities God opens up for me.” 

Some critics questioned why Pugliese chose to resign mid-term instead of finishing her service. She responded directly. “I appreciate the person for saying that. I’m going forward with God’s timing, not my timing. And I really feel like this was the time needed for me to refocus on my children.”

A message to constituents

Her final thoughts turned to gratitude. “It’s been an incredible honor to serve the people of House District 14. They’re amazing. I’ve appreciated our conversations, even when we’ve disagreed. They’ve been so supportive. And I felt their prayers at the Capitol. I really appreciate all they’ve done to support me and my kids.”

Even as she leaves the House, she said her commitment remains the same. “I still feel called for service, and public service is where my heart has been. We’ll see what God opens up for me.”