A Colorado Board of Education member has been appointed to fill the seat vacated by former House Assistant Majority Leader Michael Garcia.
Karen Middleton, a Democrat who will now resign her seat on the board of education, was selected at a vacancy-committee meeting Sunday, said Matt Sugar, a spokesman for the Colorado Democratic Party. She had been seen as a shoo-in for the appointment and had previously announced her intention to run for the seat — which covers House District 42 in central Aurora — after the term-limited Garcia left office.
But Garcia resigned earlier this month after allegations surfaced that he exposed himself and made lewd comments to a female lobbyist, who said the incident made her uncomfortable and that she informed House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.
Garcia released a statement after his resignation describing the incident as consensual but inappropriate.
Romanoff and Middleton are still working on a date and time for her to be sworn in, but it is expected to be this week.
Another vacancy committee will now appoint Middleton’s successor on the board of education.
Last week, House Democrats elected Rep. Terrance Carroll of Denver to take over the assistant majority leader duties.
