June 30, 2025 12:47 PM UTC

Republican Rep. Ryan Armagost Resigns, Opening Door for New Nuttery

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• by: Colorado Pols

State Rep. Ryan Armagost (R-Berthoud) is resigning his seat in the legislature and dancing his way down to Arizona, which leaves a “leadership” hole in the House micro-minority that could create a whole new set of problems for the GOP.

As The Colorado Sun reports:

House Minority Whip Ryan Armagost of Berthoud, a fierce gun rights advocate and former sheriff’s deputy, said his resignation will take effect Sept. 1.

Armagost said he is leaving the legislature halfway through his second term so that he can move to Arizona to start a new job in which he will have the “chance to expand his work in Second Amendment advocacy.” Armagost said he’s also moving to pursue “a meaningful personal relationship.”

“As difficult as this decision is, it comes at a time when I must prioritize my life, health and happiness,” Armagost, who was first elected to the legislature in 2022, said in a written statement. “I’ve been offered a fantastic professional opportunity in Arizona, and I’ve also met someone very special there. After a demanding year in Colorado, I’m ready to take this next step — both personally and professionally.”

We can’t hate on Armagost for following his heart, though he’s going to want to pack a more sensible hat given that the high temperature in Phoenix today is forecasted to hit 115 degrees.

Armagost’s decision to bounce from the Colorado legislature was likely spurred in part by the ridiculous attacks recently levied against him by Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO), the silly no-compromise gun rights group that has long attacked Colorado Republicans viewed to be insufficiently obedient. Following the 2025 legislative session, RMGO labeled Armagost its “RINO of the Session” (Republican in Name Only) — despite the fact that Armagost is such a 2nd Amendment enthusiast that he regularly wears assault rifle pins on his jacket…and his tie.

Armagost became a target of RMGO because he spoke out against their idiotic tactics; RMGO responded by basically proving his point. And now, one of the most staunch gun-rights voices in the legislature is leaving town.

Armagost’s seat in the House will likely be filled by another Republican via a vacancy committee. Internally, the House Minority caucus will need to select a new #3 person to replace Armagost as House Minority Whip, and that should be giving Republicans some serious heartburn.

Why? Because State Rep. “Boxwine” Brandi Bradley wants the job!

This is the very definition of a “no win situation” for House Republicans. If Republicans elect Bradley as Minority Whip and give a bigger microphone to one of the nuttiest people at the State Capitol, they’ll be making it easier for Democrats to continue cutting into what is left of the GOP caucus in the House; Bradley already vomits out ridiculous nonsense at an unprecedented pace.

On the other hand, if Bradley loses her bid for Minority Whip, she’ll almost certainly follow the lead of RMGO by taking her frustrations out on her fellow Republicans. Whatever the outcome, Republicans are looking at the kind of hell that makes Arizona seem downright chilly.

As we’ve said in this space many, many times: It’s not a mystery as to why Colorado Republicans aren’t in charge of anything anymore.