The Gilpin County Republican Committee (GCRC) held their precinct caucus on March 7, 2024 at the Gilpin County Public School.

Committee Chair Marie Mornis presented the purpose of the meeting and the description of the meeting process.

The purpose of the meeting was:

• To elect up to two precinct captains

• To select delegates and alternates to represent each precinct at the Gilpin County Republican Assembly

• To prepare a list of recommended election judges

• To vote on any resolutions brought by those present

Delegates and alternates will represent their precinct at the Gilpin County Assembly to be held at the Historic Courthouse at 203 Eureka Street in Central City on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m.

In addition, persons elected to serve as delegates to the County Assembly will then elect, from among their number, the delegates and alternates to represent Gilpin County at the following higher assemblies:

• House District 49 Assembly

• 2nd Congressional District Assembly

• Judicial District 1

• Colorado State Assembly

Republican Rick Wenzel shared that, at their February meeting, the party decided on sending 30 delegates to the County Assembly. There are six At-Large delegates, consisting of the existing officers of the county party: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and the two Republican elected officials, Kevin Armstrong and Mary Lorenz. This leaves 24 to be elected.

Wenzel said that, considering the weather, there was a good turnout for the caucus. He said that this year the delegates will vote on who will run for Gilpin County Commissioner in Districts 1 and 3.

Corey Marshall is the only Republican candidate for District 3. For District 1 there are two potential candidates: Marie Mornis and Jessica Kays. In order to get on the June 25 ballot, a candidate needs to get 30% of the delegate vote and so, potentially, both Mornis and Kays could appear on the ballot.

Marshall and Mornis shared video presentations while Kays gave a speech.

Kays is petitioning to get on the ballot. If she has sufficient signatures and gets 10% of the votes then she will appear on the ballot.

The meeting lasted about two hours, during which the three candidates each gave speeches on pertinent issues and their platforms.