Frank Francone, a former state legislative candidate, announced last month that he’s joining the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
In 2018, Francone narrowly lost a GOP primary race in Littleton to Colin Larson, who served two terms before losing to Democrat Tammy Story in a race to represent a different district.
Francone was backed by Tim Neville, a right-wing lawmaker who’d hoped Francone would take over his House seat. Francone also had the backing of Tim Neville’s son, Joe Neville, a far-right political strategist with ties to Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, which is a pro-gun advocacy group that opposes even the most modest gun safety measures.
“Very excited to share that I’ve have accepted a position at the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division,” Francone wrote on Facebook June 13. “I’ll be working out of the Washington, D.C. offices and look forward to this next chapter of life!”
In response, former right-wing congressional candidate Hope Scheppelman, who dropped her campaign after being offered a job by Trump, commented, “Congratulations Frank!! So excited to serve with you.”
Other Coloradans who’ve joined the Trump administration include: Energy Secretary Chris Wright; former Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams, now a senior advisor for the International Trade Administration; and Barry Arrington, who leads the Department of Justice’s Gun Rights Division. John Fabbricatore, who ran for U.S. Congress against Jason Crow in 2024, was hired as a senior advisor for the Department of Health & Human Services, but has since retired from that position.
Reached by phone, Francone told the Colorado Times Recorder that he’s on the job and he intends to do his job “well.” He declined to say what he hopes to achieve in his new job — or to discuss how it’s going so far.
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