Colorado Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis Resigns Amid Ethics Investigation

Colorado State Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis announced her resignation amid an ethics investigation into allegations of mistreatment of her staff. The resignation, made via Facebook, comes just before a Senate Ethics Committee meeting that could have led to her removal from office. Jaquez Lewis cited a new position with a nonprofit focused on women’s and LGBTQ+ leadership as her reason for stepping down, but did not address the ongoing investigation in her statement. Allegations against her include using aides for personal chores and refusing to pay them, which led to her being stripped of committee assignments and state funding for aides. Her departure raises concerns about representation for her constituents until a replacement is selected, a process expected to take several weeks. The ethics committee's findings may still impact her legacy and future political prospects.