Colorado House GOP pushes impeachment hearing for Secretary of State who removed Trump from ballot

Colorado House Republicans are requesting a hearing for a resolution to impeach Secretary of State Jena Griswold, citing her role in a case to remove former President Donald Trump from the state's presidential primary ballot.

Trump was eligible to remain on the ballot after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled that states don't have the authority to remove individuals from federal offices under Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution. The Colorado Supreme Court previously decided Trump was ineligible for the ballot under the 14th Amendment because of his actions on Jan. 6, 2021.

In a letter to Democratic House Speaker Julie McCluskie signed by 17 out of 19 House Republicans, they requested the resolution for impeachment be brought up for a vote. Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-Colorado Springs, and Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, submitted the resolution on Feb. 8.

"The Secretary of State's request for the removal of a Presidential Candidate from a primary ballot, on the basis of accusations and personal feelings, demonstrates a lack of professionalism and integrity," the Republicans said in the letter.

Griswold supports the state court's decision to remove Trump from the ballot, filing a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the state has the right to exclude "ineligible insurrectionists." Following the ruling, she expressed "disappointment in the ruling during an interview with MSNBC, adding "it will be up to the American voters to save our democracy in November."

The Republicans' letter added: "The Secretary of State's effort to remove a Presidential Candidate from the ballot … would have silenced the voice of Coloradans statewide, thus displaying a direct threat to Coloradans' freedom of speech."

Griswold said in a statement to The Center Square that the Colorado GOP "continues to focus on conspiracies and political games."

"I will not be intimidated by this baseless proceeding," she added. "While the Republican House Caucus wastes taxpayer dollars to score cheap political points, you can find me working for Colorado voters – Republican, Democratic, and Unaffiliated alike – to ensure they can make their voices heard in free and fair elections."

Following the ruling Monday, state party officials and U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert said they're exploring legal options, including a recall effort to oust Griswold.

"The governor and other state and judicial officers, shall be liable to impeachment for high crimes or misdemeanors or malfeasance in office, but judgment in such cases shall only extend to removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of honor, trust or profit in the state," the Colorado Constitution says.

A spokesperson for House Democrats, who hold a majority, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Republicans' request.