State Rep. Ron Weinberg, a Loveland Republican whose tenure has included multiple controversies, announced Thursday that he will not seek reelection in House District 51.
In a statement to supporters, Weinberg said he plans to complete his term and cited family considerations, saying he wants to spend more time with his children.
“This decision comes from a place of responsibility and gratitude,” Weinberg’s statement reads in part. “My family has sacrificed greatly so I could serve, and I owe them my time, my presence, and my full attention. My children are growing fast, and these years with them are precious and irreplaceable.”
Weinberg did not respond to the Reporter-Herald’s request for comment Friday.
Since taking office in 2023, Weinberg has drawn public attention for a series of incidents and complaints. Before he was sworn in three years ago, he reported that guns were stolen from his truck while it was parked at the state capitol. More recently, he has been the subject of allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and “bullying”, which he has denied, and a filed by the Colorado Secretary of State’s Elections Division.
Weinberg assumed office in 2023, after being , who died days before the 2022 election. He then won the seat in the 2024 election with 52.6% of the vote.
During his tenure, Weinberg was the prime sponsor of several bills that became law, including a measure that limits what landlords can charge or enforce in a lease when a tenant dies. He also led legislation granting limited civil-liability protections to landowners who allow emergency access across their property, and another aimed at reducing food waste.
Weinberg had been on track to face a contested 2026 race, with two candidates already launching campaigns for House District 51: , who in 2022 was appointed to fill the remaining months of Rep. Hugh McKean’s term, and .
Both candidates who had been preparing to run against Weinberg said Friday that they were surprised by his decision, but said it will not change their approach to the race.
“I’ve never been one, when I’m running for office, to focus on my opponents,” Marsh said. “I like to focus on what I believe and what is in the best interest of the residents of House District 51.”
Marsh added that she had expected a competitive Republican primary with the incumbent in the race.
“I think Weinberg was going to be in a heated battle,” she said. “…He’s under fire right now for the (sexual comment) allegations, as well as the campaign-finance concerns raised by the Secretary of State. He was kind of embattled anyway, so it wouldn’t have surprised me if Amy came out the winner in a primary.”
Parks said the announcement came as a surprise even within GOP circles.
“Nobody expected that,” she said. “And apparently even the House caucus was surprised by it, so he didn’t give anybody a heads up.”
Like Marsh, Parks said her campaign is moving “onward and forward,” with ballot access the next item on the to-do list.
Parks also struck a gracious note toward the incumbent.
“I wish him well. I sincerely do,” she said. “I hope that he gets what he needs and he’s able to enjoy this time with his family.”
