Yes, we are having a Republican State Assembly

By Brita Horn | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

Over the past several days, a new and unfounded rumor has begun circulating, suggesting that the Republican Party of Colorado does not intend to hold a State Assembly in 2026. This claim is false. It contradicts our legal obligations, it misrepresents our planning, and it has no basis in any action ever taken by this organization. As Chair of the Republican Party of Colorado, I want our members to hear directly from me: we are holding a State Assembly. We always have been.

It is also important to recognize that within our party, there are strong and varied opinions about Colorado’s caucus and assembly system. 

Some view it as a vital grassroots mechanism that ensures candidates earn support directly from engaged Republican delegates. 

Others believe it is cumbersome or in need of modernization. 

These views are legitimate, and I respect the full range of perspectives. But no matter where anyone stands—including me—personal preferences do not change the law.

Colorado statute requires recognized political parties to conduct caucuses, county assemblies, and a state assembly. The law is explicit. The State Assembly is not optional; it cannot be skipped, and it is not subject to reinterpretation. It is a legally mandated component of the ballot access process. 

That is why this new rumor is not only inaccurate—it is impossible.

Furthermore, the idea that the Party was somehow considering not holding an assembly is directly refuted by our own record. 

We have discussed the State Assembly repeatedly throughout the year, both publicly and internally. This includes our State Executive Committee meeting in June, where the Party unanimously approved a comprehensive budget for the next cycle. That budget allocated substantial funds specifically for the State Assembly. The line-item expenditure alone proves the point: an assembly has been planned for months, fully resourced, and embedded in our operational roadmap.

To our candidates: your path to ballot access remains exactly the same. If you are pursuing the assembly route, the process is intact. If you are petitioning, those rules remain unchanged as well. You can continue to prepare your campaigns knowing the Party has been executing the caucus-to-assembly calendar with precision and consistency. This is dedicated by State Statue, not by the party.

To our county leaders, volunteers, and credentialing teams: your work is not only essential, it is also entirely aligned with the plan we have had in place since early summer. The training, guidance, and support we provide will continue uninterrupted as we approach caucuses and assemblies.

To Republican voters across Colorado: whether you support the current system, oppose it, or feel somewhere in between, the caucus and assembly process exists to give you a direct voice in shaping our ticket. Unless and until the legislature changes the law, it is an obligation we must meet—and we will.

While we would have liked to announce a venue for the State Assembly by now, we have encountered some logistical hurdles that have delayed our public announcement. This in no way represents any push to cancel or avoid the assembly. 

The process remains fully on track, and the Party remains committed to holding the Assembly in full compliance with state law.

Colorado Republicans deserve clarity, competence, and steady leadership. The Republican Party of Colorado has budgeted, planned, and prepared for the 2026 State Assembly, and we will conduct it as scheduled, ensuring transparency and integrity every step of the way.

Brita Horn is the Chair of the Republican Party of Colorado

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.