Otero County GOP Assembly Nominated Candidates

by Norman Kincaide

Trish Pheffer Leone, Chair, Otero County Republican Party, gaveled the County Assembly to order at 10 A.M. at the Fowler Elementary School cafeteria. The credentialing committee counted a total of seventy-two delegates eligible to vote. State Senator Rod Pelton, up for election for Colorado Senate District 35, spoke, emphasizing his excellent working relationship with Rep. Ty Winter, House District 47. Winter was unable to attend the Otero Assembly as he had scheduling conflicts.

Nominations for county offices followed Senator Pelton’s remarks. Tim Knabenshue, County Commissioner District 2, was nominated by acclimation since no challenger was nominated. Current Otero County Treasurer, Sharon Jones nominated Shawna Frankmore for that position. Holly Hueta Hudak was also nominated for Treasurer. Frankmore won the nomination with a vote of 57-15. Lyn Scott, Otero County Clerk & Recorder, was nominated by acclimation for another term.

Brian Lovato was nominated to Otero County Sheriff challenging current Sheriff Shawn Mobley. Sheriff Mobley declined his nomination for another term after twelve years in office, stating from his speech: “I am not going to run for Sheriff anymore, though I will finish this term strong, and continuing to build upon everything we have accomplished as a team - and becoming the second longest running sheriff in the history of Otero county (if only by a few weeks), next to our beloved John Eberly, who will always hold the record and a special place in my heart. The longest and hardest battle was getting this new jail and sheriff's office built, and it serves as a beacon for the future of law enforcement here.”

Bob Fowler, longest serving Coroner in the state of Colorado, was nominated by acclimation for another term.

After nominations for county offices were completed county delegates voted for those who wished to attend the Colorado GOP State Assembly, April 10-11, 2026 in Pueblo. The Otero County GOP assembly concluded at 1:30 P.M.