The day before Colorado’s 2023 legislative session began, Rep. Tracy Bernett resigned from her position representing House District 12 as criminal proceedings continue against her.
Bernett resigned Sunday, according to the Colorado General Assembly website, with the 2023 session beginning Monday.
Bernett, a Democrat, had been finishing up her first term in Colorado House District 12 when a complaint was submitted against her accusing her of falsifying her home address to run for reelection following redistricting.
After an investigation, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office charged Bernett with attempting to influence a public servant, forgery and residence-false information, all felonies, along with misdemeanor perjury and procuring false registration just days before the election.
As ballots had already been mailed to voters and despite the charges, Bernett won reelection for her district with more than three-quarters of the vote.
Bernett has not responded to multiple requests for comment from the Longmont Leader.
House District 12 previously included Longmont and Bernett’s primary residence for the 2020 election. Following redistricting, her Longmont address became part of House District 19 and Bernett filed sworn documents with the secretary of state declaring her primary residence to be in Louisville and within House District 12 in 2021.
Boulder County Republicans Chair Theresa Watson filed the initial complaint against Bernett, compiling public documents and social media posts as evidence that Bernett continued to reside at her Longmont address.
"While Bernett has lost her seat and faces serious charges, it is the voters in HD12 whose trust was broken," Watson said. "I hope that (District Attorney Michael) Dougherty ensures that she faces her public and does not allow her any sweetheart deal simply because she is politically connected."
Bernett’s arraignment is scheduled for Feb. 10. Her two-year seat will be filled by the selection of a vacancy committee from the Boulder County Democratic party.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correctly reflect the makeup of the vacancy committee that will select Bernett's replacement.
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