Former Colorado GOP Chair Criticizes Democrats Over Taxes and TABOR

Colorado Springs Pueblo, CO, October 19, 2026 —

Dick Wadhams, a former chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, has criticized Colorado Democrats over tax policy and efforts he says would weaken the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, known as TABOR. He singled out state Sen. Jeff Bridges, portraying the senator’s record as part of a broader Democratic approach to taxation that Wadhams considers harmful to Colorado.

Wadhams pointed to a debate exchange in which Bridges reportedly could not recall opposing a tax increase. Wadhams cited the exchange as evidence for his criticism of Democratic support for tax hikes. The available summary does not provide the date, setting or full wording of the exchange, and it does not specify which tax increase was discussed.

The criticism centers on two related issues: support for tax increases and proposals or efforts to weaken TABOR. The summary does not identify particular measures, votes or legislative proposals, so it does not establish which actions Wadhams was referencing. It also does not provide a response from Bridges or other Democrats.

Wadhams’ remarks are presented as criticism from a former Republican party chairman, rather than as an independent account of Bridges’ voting record. The summary offers no additional details to assess how often Bridges supported tax increases or what position he has taken on specific changes to TABOR.

As a result, the debate exchange and Wadhams’ interpretation are the only specific examples provided. Further details about the exchange, the policies at issue and Bridges’ response were not included in the information available.

Story summarized from the original created by Dick Wadhams on gazette.com, see more information here.

Media gallery