Record number of women sworn in state legislature, as accused lawmakers phased out
Colorado women are making state history as nearly 50 female legislators were sworn in Friday.
In the House there are a total of 33 female legislators, a record number for the state. In the Senate, there’s a total of 12, six of which were just elected this past November.
One of the first things House Speaker KC Becker said after the election was how inspiring it is how many women ran and “fueled up a victory.”
It was a powerful example of that big victory as many of the newly elected members stood up together to celebrate the milestone.
“I know that every woman here is here because they’ve earned and deserved it… not because they’re a woman, but because they have great talents,” said Rep. Lois Landgraf, R-Fountain.
Friday, also marked the first trans woman to assume office in state history. Brianna Titone, is a democrat representing District 27 around Arvada. Titone is the first openly trans woman to be elected in Colorado and the second in the country. She says her victory is a true honor.
“I feel a lot of responsibility to pave the way for a lot of other people that I’m really hoping to come after me,” said Titone. “I guess I had the bravery to step up and fill this role for the first time.”
But it’s important to point out, Colorado is one of just five states that has never elected a woman governor or U.S. Senator.
#MeToo impact on Colorado Legislature
It was an issue that put Colorado on the national stage: sexual harassment allegations against five state lawmakers. The complaints boiling up during a time the #MeToo movement was hot.
The complaints all deemed credible from an outside investigation eventually led to the expulsion of one member, Rep. Steve Lebsock.
“You have a right to know the truth,” Lebsock said on the House floor the day he was expelled.
Shortly after, more complaints surfaced accusing four other lawmakers of verbal and physical harassment.
Here’s where they stand now:
Sen. Randy Baumgardner stepped down. Sen. Jack Tate is now not seeking re-election. Sen. Larry Crowder is term limited. Rep. Paul Rosenthal lost his re-election.
Now with the investigation complete, Rep. Faith Winter, one of the initial accusers, said the work is just beginning.
“Last session we highlighted the problem, this session we’re actually going to change the culture and work towards that,” said Winter.
But not everyone like Rep. Landgraf is that hopeful.
“Actual fear will influence this session and I think that’s unfortunate, I think things may have gone too far,” Landgraf said.
Stay with KRDO as our team continues to cover this developing story.
