By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Dave Williams, chair of the Colorado GOP, lost his primary after a campaign email and tweet calling to "burn all Pride flags."
The Colorado Republican who sent out a campaign email calling LGBTQ+ people "godless groomers" has lost his primary.
Dave Williams, chair of the Colorado GOP, lost his primary election for the state’s 5th Congressional District Tuesday night to conservative commentator Jeff Crank, who will face Democrat River Gassen in the November general.
The vote came just weeks after Williams sent out an email to Republican voters that referred to queer people as "barbaric," "creeps," “degenerates,” "godless," "groomers," "predators," “radicals,” and “reprobates."
"The month of June has arrived and, once again, the godless groomers in our society want to attack what is decent, holy, and righteous so they can ultimately harm our children," the email read. It then linked to a sermon from Pastor Mark Driscoll, which proclaimed in the video thumbnail "God hates flags," wordplay on a Westboro Baptist Church slogan that uses a derogatory slur.
Williams' fellow Republicans called on him to resign following the message, with the Jefferson County GOP saying in a statement that "as County Republican Party leaders, the time has come for us to say we have had enough."
"We are standing up for our constituents, our candidates, and all who want to see positive change in our state," the group wrote. "It is clear Dave Williams' leadership does not align with the majority of Colorado Republicans, especially after this last email message. We urge him to step down to allow us to bring in a new Chair who will help build our party, support all our candidates and county organizations, and bring unity."
After losing his primary, Williams may soon lose his position as chair of the Colorado GOP whether or not he resigns. The vice chair of the El Paso County Republican Party submitted a petition Wednesday calling for a special meeting to vote on his removal after gathering enough signatures, at least a quarter of them being from central committee members.
If approved, the removal vote will be held during a special meeting on August 31.
