On March 2, 2018, Colorado State Representative Steve Lebsock was expelled from the legislature in a 52-9 vote amid accusations of sexual harassment by a fellow state lawmaker.
“It’s been the honor of my life to serve the people of Colorado, and I was willing to fight this year for the people of Colorado,” Representative Lebsock said shortly after walking into the legislative chamber for the last time. “Members, please remember that we should always strive to do the right thing.”
Pictured: Steve Lebsock (Photo: AP)
Less than an hour before the vote, Representative Lebsock switched party affiliation, becoming a Republican after serving five years in the House as a Democrat.
According to state law, a vacancy committee should be made up of the party of the departed elected official depending on what the official’s registration was at the time they left office.
According to the released statement from the Colorado Republican Party, it is unknown at this time as to whether their Vacancy Committee will choose to act on this matter, even though they have the legal authority to do so.
If the party declines to choose a successor within 30 days, Governor John Hickenlooper will be responsible for filling the vacancy.
Prior to his expulsion from the State Capitol, Steve Lebsock had launched a campaign for State Treasurer as a Democrat.
According to state law, Lebsock’s party registration last Friday passed the January 2, 2018 registration deadline for any prospective Republican candidate, meaning that he cannot run for office as a Republican this year. While he could still technically run as a Democrat under current state election law, it is unclear as to whether he will choose to do so.
Steve Lebsock is the first Colorado State House member to be expelled in 103 years.
