DENVER, Colo. — Colorado state Rep. Ryan Armagost, a Berthoud Republican, abruptly resigned from the Legislature on Thursday, weeks earlier than his previously announced September departure date.
Armagost submitted his resignation letter to the House clerk Thursday afternoon, and House Republicans made the announcement shortly afterward.
“Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from the Colorado House of Representatives, effective immediately,” Armagost wrote.
Censure Plans Prompt Early Exit
Armagost did not give a specific reason for his sudden resignation. However, the decision came hours after House Democratic leaders announced plans to censure him.
The move stemmed from an April incident in which Armagost took a photo of Democratic Rep. Yara Zokaie of Fort Collins and shared it in a private Republican group chat. In the chat, GOP members compared Zokaie to a prostitute because of her clothing.
The photo later spread on social media, triggering a wave of online harassment against Zokaie, according to Colorado Public Radio.
Next Steps & Reactions
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Armagost had originally planned to leave in September to take a job in Arizona.
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He was officially excused from the chamber on Thursday.
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House GOP spokesperson Laurel Boyle declined to comment further on the resignation.
Armagost, who previously gained attention for introducing a resolution to impeach Secretary of State Jena Griswold in April 2024, has not issued any public statement addressing the controversy.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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