Overview

• Pugliese stepped down Sept. 15 and said she will return to Mesa County with her two children, citing their safety and the need to be present as a single mother.
• She called the legislature “toxic” after a heated floor exchange with Majority Leader Monica Duran during debate on a resolution tied to a photo scandal.
• Former GOP Rep. Ryan Armagost secretly photographed Democratic Rep. Yara Zokaie and shared the image in a Republican chat; it later spread online and Zokaie reported threats, and Armagost resigned before censure.
• A Republican vacancy committee is expected to select a replacement for House District 14 within about 30 days, and House Republicans will soon choose a new minority leader, with Ty Winter serving as acting leader.
• Her departure adds to recent GOP leadership turnover at the Capitol, including Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen’s resignation in June.