On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember the names and faces of those that fought valiantly in the face of danger and never surrendered. Let us remember the sacrifices they fought and died for. Let us find the shining light they would expect us to carry on. Let us remember the cost of freedom that so many have paid to ensure independence on our 250th anniversary.
House and Senate Republicans Release Statement Regarding Arrest of Hunter Rivera
(Denver, CO – May 15, 2026) – Today, the House and Senate Republicans released the following statement regarding the arrest of Hunter Rivera:
These charges are sickening, horrifying, and beyond reprehensible. There is no defense for anyone who preys on children, no excuses, and no place for that anywhere near public life or our party.
We are calling on him as the Weld County Chair to resign immediately. There is no room in our party for these types of charges.
We stand unequivocally with victims, with families, and with every law enforcement officer working to protect children from predators like this. These are the people we fight for every single day, and crimes against children deserve the strongest possible condemnation and accountability.
We are grateful to the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and investigators for their work to protect children and bring predators to justice.
Today marked the end of the 2026 legislative session.
Over the last 120 days, House Republicans fought every day to address the issues Coloradans care about most: affordability, public safety, bridging the rural-urban divide, and deregulating our state.
This session included important work to support rural communities, improve transparency, take violent criminals off the streets, and push for responsible budgeting.
While significant challenges remain, including Colorado’s ongoing structural deficit, our caucus remains committed to fighting for hardworking Coloradans across every corner of the state.
Thank you to everyone who followed along, testified, reached out, and stayed engaged throughout session.
@RepCaldwell and @RepTyWinter today issued the following statement celebrating a significant victory after sponsors abandoned their last-minute attempt to introduce legislation undermining the will of the people.
Read More: https://t.co/3pxQg3gArT
@RickTaggart ran an amendment that put a $1 billion cap on the bill’s TABOR refund diversions while ensuring any dollars collected would go directly toward K-12 education, early childhood education, and child care programs like CCAP. This amendment would have made this bill significantly better, unfortuantely it was killed on the House Floor.
Congratulations to the Denver Summit Soccer Team and their visit to the Capitol. It was an amazing season and I love the fast pace of soccer. It was an honor to meet with the team and especially great that two players are from Parker. I wish you the best.
Today we honored Law Enforcement and all the men and women that serve to protect our communities. HR26-1006, Supporting Law Enforcement, was passed 60-0. Thank you to every member of Law Enforcement and their families for your continued dedication and sacrifice for the people of Colorado. May God bless you and your families.
A huge WIN for Colorado's kids! @RepCaldwell's SB26-015 just UNANIMOUSLY passed committee!
This bill will change Colorado law by replacing outdated “child prostitution” terminology with “commercial sexual activity with a child” across numerous statutes, strengthening the related sentencing, and increasing internet luring of a child to a class 3 felony.
It is a travesty of truth and justice that HB26-1281, Homicide Criminal Offense, passed this afternoon. It changes the definition of first-degree murder with extreme indifference and downgrades the penalty of life without parole. This treats the criminal better than the dead victims or their families. It undermines accountability of the worst violent offenders and threatens public safety. We read numerous cases from families of convictions with extreme indifference, but the bill sponsors spoke of redemption for violent criminals and compared the redemption of Saul to Paul. It passed by one vote of 33-32. I voted no and firmly believe that we should have justice for the families and not pity for the criminals.
We have been debating HB26-1419, which is attempting to claw back TABOR refunds because the Governor and Majority Party have overspent on the budget. Our roads and infrastructure have been neglected for eight years while the Governor and Majority Party have consistently spent millions beyond the ability of taxpayers to support. Now the bill is due and the Majority Party wants to take more from taxpayers. I am adamantly opposed to this bill.
What kind of person, let alone a teacher advocates this hatred and violence. I can only imagine the bias and hatred that is conveyed in that classroom and conversations. This has to stop!! https://t.co/QKfuktfzQI
We are keeping everyone affected by tonight’s shooting at the Correspondents Dinner in our thoughts and prayers.
We are grateful for the courage and quick response of law enforcement.
Political violence is unacceptable and has no place in our country.
We are currently debating HB26-1281 on the House Floor. A bill that will set safety in Colorado back tremendously. This bill is saying that the luck of your occupation or age determines the intent of the killer. Every single District Attorney in Colorado is unanimously against this bill. Where do we draw the line between justice and second chances? I don’t want it to be AFTER we have to tell the family who just had a loved one killed, that because it was the perpetrator’s first time, nothing else can be done. If the intent to kill was there - under no circumstance should that be excused.
As the Sponsor of HB26-1290, Felony Strangulation, I was very pleased that it passed 62-0 in the House. This bill strengthens Colorado's assault laws by ensuring that repeat strangulation offenders face mandatory incarceration. Strangulation is one of the most dangerous warning signs of domestic violence, and this bill makes clear that victims will be protected when offenders are convicted and sentenced to prison.
It was an honor to sponsor SJR26-019, reaffirming Colorado's sister-state relationship with Taiwan. This partnership is built on shared values of freedom, democracy, economic and educational development. Taiwan is celebrating 30 years of Democratic elections. I am very excited to see the possibilities and opportunities develop for businesses, agriculture, educators, and communities.