Colorado lawmaker leaves GOP citing Jan. 6 attack and Trump https://www.axios.com/2022/08/22/colorado-lawmaker-leaves-gop-jan-6-attack-trump A state senator in Colorado is resigning from the Republican Party and becoming a Democrat, citing the party's complicity in the Jan. 6 insurrection and 2020 election denial as the reason. "I cannot continue to be a part of a political party that is okay with a violent attempt to overturn a free and fair election and continues to peddle claims that the 2020 election was stolen," Sen. Kevin Priola said in a statement. He also cited his party's lack of action on climate change, saying his GOP colleagues "consistently and proudly seek to impede progress ... and I can't, in good conscience, be silent about that." Why it matters: The announcement represents a stark rebuke of former President Trump and the national Republican Party. It also deflates the GOP's hopes of retaking the Democratic-controlled Colorado Senate, one of the most targeted legislative battles in the country. Democrats now hold a 20-15 advantage, making a flip less likely. Priola went out of his way to advocate against his party in the 2022 midterms, saying: "Democrats in charge because our planet and democracy depend on it." Between the lines: Priola is a political moderate, often siding with Democrats on major legislation as the chamber's most bipartisan member. Yes, but: He still votes with Republicans 90% of the time, and said he "will not be changing the way I vote on legislation." Priola has previously voted against abortion rights and efforts to regulate guns. Context: The Henderson lawmaker won re-election in 2020 in a tight battle in which he was targeted by Democrats. He is term-limited in 2025. Earlier this year, he led an effort to strengthen election security in Colorado. What they're saying: Democratic Gov. Jared Polis issued a statement welcoming Priola to the party. "We are a broad tent party, always seeking good ideas from the left and right to move [Colorado] forward," he said. "Senator Priola is a strong leader on climate issues and will hopefully be even more effective on the Democratic side of the aisle. The other side: Sean Paige, a former spokesperson for the state Senate GOP caucus, said Priola's switch is not surprising. "He's beyond just a big phony; he's a squirrely and calculating opportunist. But I'm glad, for his conscience, that he finally came out of the closet," Paige said. A prominent Republican activist said voters should recall Priola after the switch.