New Leadership, Same Mission: Colorado Senate GOP Names Cleave Simpson Minority Leader

In a pivotal leadership shift, the Colorado Senate Republican Caucus elected Senator Cleave Simpson of Alamosa as the new Senate Minority Leader following the resignation of Senator Paul Lundeen. The election took place Thursday afternoon during a caucus meeting at the Capitol, ushering in what party members are calling a “new chapter” for Colorado conservatives.

Senator Simpson, who represents Senate District 6, expressed gratitude for the confidence his colleagues placed in him and acknowledged his predecessor’s impact.

“I want to thank Senator Paul Lundeen for his years of steadfast leadership and principled service to this caucus and to the people of Colorado,” Simpson said. “His guidance has strengthened our team and helped lay the foundation for the work ahead.”

Simpson, a water and agriculture expert, emphasized the need for practical, everyday solutions in a time of rising costs and growing public discontent.

“Coloradans are facing real challenges: rising costs, public safety concerns, and a growing sense that their voices aren’t being heard at the Capitol,” he said. “This caucus will remain committed to standing up for hardworking families and offering real, common-sense solutions.”

Simpson will be joined in caucus leadership by Senator Lisa Frizell of Castle Rock, who was elected Assistant Senate Minority Leader. Frizell, known for her work on transportation and fiscal responsibility, echoed a tone of optimism.

“I am deeply honored to serve the Republican Caucus as Assistant Minority Leader,” Frizell said. “It’s time for our caucus to begin a new chapter, and I believe that by working together and with intention, our future is a bright one.”

Several members of the leadership team will remain in their current roles:

• Senate Minority Caucus Chair: Byron Pelton (R–Sterling)
• Senate Minority Whip: Janice Rich (R–Grand Junction)
• Joint Budget Committee Member: Barbara Kirkmeyer (R–Weld County)

The leadership transition comes as Republicans in Colorado look to sharpen their message ahead of the 2025 legislative session. While Democrats maintain control of the state legislature, the Republican caucus is positioning itself as the voice of fiscal discipline, public safety, and government accountability.

The new leadership team says it plans to listen more closely to constituents across the state and push back on policies they say have contributed to affordability issues and a lack of transparency in government.

As the session looms, the tone from Senate Republicans is clear: new leadership, renewed focus, and a promise to be the watchdog Coloradans can count on.