By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
The second Republican Rumble of the primary season, set to feature a triple-header of candidates debating the issues in two districts, has encountered a last-minute change. Greg Lopez has withdrawn from the debate, citing a lack of endorsement from the sponsors as his primary reason.
Co-hosted by the Republican Women of Weld and the Lincoln Club of Colorado, the “Republican Rumble with a Twist” will take place from 11 a.m. to about 5 p.m. on June 1 at the Grizzly Rose, 5450 North S. Valley Hwy in Denver.
The event will begin with the 8th District Republican Primary debate at noon, featuring Gabe Evans and Janak Joshi. Evans currently serves in the Colorado House of Representatives, while Joshi is a former three-term Colorado House member. The winner will face Democrat Yadira Caraveo in the general election. The 8th District spans from Commerce City and Westminster to just south of Eaton, including Greeley, Bethoud, Fort Lupton, Brighton, and Thornton.
The afternoon will spotlight the 4th District debates, starting with the Republican Primary featuring Deborah Flora, Richard Holtorf, Mike Lynch, Jerry Sonnenberg, and Peter Yu. Notably absent from this debate is Lauren Boebert, who declined the invitation citing the timing and her extensive prior participation in similar events.
The twist in this year’s event is the inclusion of candidates for the 4th District special election at 2:45 p.m. This election will determine the replacement for ex-U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, who left office early, leaving the district without representation in Congress. The candidates were to be Greg Lopez (Republican), Trisha Calvarese (Democrat), Hannah Goodman (Libertarian), and Frank Atwood (Approval Voting Party).
Lopez’s sudden withdrawal has added an unexpected element to the event. He has publicly blamed the sponsors for not endorsing him first, leading to his decision to back out.
Moderators for the debate include Ernest Luning of Colorado Politics, Kelly Maher of 9NEWS, Jesse Paul of the Colorado Sun, and Chris Rourke of Rourke Media, with Mandy Connell of KOA radio serving as the emcee.
Election Day is June 25, and mail ballots must be sent by June 7. The Republican Rumble with a Twist is a ticketed event, with tickets available at WomenofWeld.com and none available at the door.