Dylan Roberts named as Colorado Senate Majority Leader as Democrats claim supermajority in state legislature

Colorado Democratic Sen. Dylan Roberts, who was reelected in Tuesday’s midterm, will serve as majority leader of the state senate, according to a news release.

While a handful of races statewide are still too close to call, Democrats appear to have won a supermajority in both the state house and senate in the election. Senate Democrats have claimed victory in 24 of the chamber’s 35 seats, although two races are still not called by the Associated Press as of Thursday afternoon. The party also secured elections in 45 of the state house’s 65 seats, with 10 races too close to call. 

The majority leader of the state senate presides over legislative sessions, implements rules and protocols, and has significant input on how and when bills are heard.

“As our new senate majority leader, I’m ready to hit the ground running and make sure we’re equipped to work together to move forward a legislative agenda that lowers costs and makes people’s lives better,” Roberts said in a statement.

The Colorado Senate Democrats chose new leadership through a caucus election held Thursday, where all Democratic senators who will be part of the 76th General Assembly of the Colorado legislature were allowed to cast a vote. The Colorado House of Representatives will vote on its leadership Friday morning.

Roberts represents Colorado Senate District 8, which covers the northwest corner of the state and includes Clear Creek, Eagle, Summit, Grand, Gilpin, Jackson, Moffat, Routt, Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.

A Frisco resident who grew up in Routt County, Roberts is entering his second term as a state senator. He previously served two terms in the state House of Representatives and worked as a deputy district attorney for the 5th Judicial District Attorney’s Office before entering politics.

The next legislative session begins Jan. 11.

“I’ve spent my legislative career fighting for Colorado families in all parts of our state and I’m honored to be given the opportunity to continue that work while making sure our caucus has the support, preparation, and leadership they need to succeed,” Roberts said. “I’m immensely grateful for my colleagues’ trust and confidence.”