DENVER—State Rep. Sal Pace said Tuesday he is stepping down as Colorado House Democratic leader to focus on his congressional race against incumbent Republican Rep. Scott Tipton.
Pace made the announcement Tuesday. He will still serve the remainder of his term next year in the Legislature.
The Pueblo Democrat is challenging Tipton in the sprawling 3rd Congressional District that covers southern Colorado and the Western Slope. The district is among the Colorado’s most competitive.
Pace, who is married and has three children, including a girl born in September, said he wants to focus on his family and the race for Congress.
“I’ve got a lot of commitments in my life,” he said. “I added a new endeavor when I chose to run for Congress, and my priorities are now focusing on my family where I have a brand new baby, serving the constituents who elected me, serving them effectively, and getting elected to Congress.”
He said Democrats need “a minority leader whose top priority is serving as minority leader.”
Democrats will elect a new House leader Friday.
Pace was elected to the state House in 2008. Before that he was the district director for former 3rd District Rep. John Salazar. In the Legislature, Pace has worked on land, water and renewable energy issues affecting his district.
