Democrats Choose Kyle Brown To Replace Tracey Bernett In Colorado Legislature

By Sara Wilson, Colorado Newsline

January 28, 2023

A committee made up of Boulder County Democrats selected Kyle Brown on Saturday to replace former state Rep. Tracey Bernett in House District 12.

Brown, a Louisville City Council member, won on the first round of voting with about 80% of the vote.

“I am so excited to get to work for this district and our community. I am incredibly honored and moved to be your representative,” Brown said. “I will work every day to make good on the faith you have put on me.”

In a speech before the vote, Brown said he would sponsor climate-focused legislation to lower greenhouse gas emissions, expand electric vehicle infrastructure and expand building electrification. He also said he would support gun violence prevention measures and increased health care access.

The candidates on Saturday were Brown, research specialist Alfredo Alvarado, Superior Board of Trustees member Jenn Kaaoush, former Brighton City Councilwoman Cynthia Martinez, former U.S. representative David Skaggs.

Brown received 41 votes, Skaggs received seven, Kaaoush received two and Martinez received one.

The vacancy committee was called to select a replacement for Bernett, who resigned right before the legislative session began and is facing criminal charges for allegedly lying about her residence to run for reelection.

Bernett allegedly lied about living in a Louisville apartment in order to maintain her residency in the more liberal House District 12. Through redistricting, her Longmont home was drawn into the more conservative House District 19. She handily won reelection in House District 12.

Because of the timing of Bernett’s resignation, residents of her district have been without representation for the first three weeks of the legislative session.

House District 12 is in Boulder County and includes Lafayette, Louisville and parts of Superior.

There have so far been four vacancy committees for the 2023 legislative session. Committees chose Republican state Rep. Ron Weinberg to replace the late Hugh McKean in House District 51, Democratic state Rep. Lorena Garcia to replace Adrienne Benavidez in House District 35 and Republican state Sen. Perry Will to replace Bob Rankin in Senate District 5.

Brown’s selection means the end of a majority-women Colorado Legislature. There are now 50 men and 50 women serving in the Legislature.

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