Former Colorado Springs City Council President withdraws application

Randy Helms cites 'politics and divisiveness' in decision to not rejoin council

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a solitary Colorado Springs City Council building at dusk, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic duty and political transition.The withdrawal of an experienced former councilmember from consideration for an interim appointment highlights the political tensions and uncertainty facing Colorado Springs' city government.Colorado Springs Today

Randy Helms, a former Colorado Springs City Council President who represented the city's northernmost District 2 from 2021-2025, has withdrawn his application to fill the current vacancy for that district. Helms cited 'politics and divisiveness' as the reason for his decision, stating that his application was borne out of a desire to provide stability and civility during the transition period until the next election in April 2027.

Why it matters

Helms' withdrawal leaves the District 2 vacancy open, with the City Council set to interview select applicants on April 1 and appoint a new councilmember by April 13. This comes after the previous councilmember, Tom Bailey, resigned before a recall election could be held, highlighting the political tensions in the city.

The details

Randy Helms, who served as Colorado Springs City Council President from 2021-2025, had applied to fill the vacancy for District 2 after Bailey's resignation on March 10. However, Helms has now withdrawn his application, citing 'politics and divisiveness' that have 'already overtaken the process.' Helms said his application was motivated by a desire to provide stability and civility during the transition period until the next election in April 2027.

  • Randy Helms applied to fill the District 2 vacancy earlier this month.
  • Former Councilmember Tom Bailey resigned on March 10.
  • Select applicants will be contacted for interviews on April 1.
  • The new councilmember is expected to be sworn in on April 13.

The players

Randy Helms

A former Colorado Springs City Council President who represented District 2 from 2021-2025.

Tom Bailey

The former Colorado Springs City Council member for District 2 who resigned on March 10 before a recall election could be held.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, politics and divisiveness have already overtaken the process. My application for the interim vacancy was borne of my desire to serve my community at a time that stability and civility is called for. My experience and ability to provide steadiness until the next election in April 2027 felt like the right thing to do.”

— Randy Helms, Former Colorado Springs City Council President

What’s next

Select applicants will be contacted for interviews on April 1 to fill the District 2 vacancy, with the new councilmember expected to be sworn in on April 13.

The takeaway

Helms' withdrawal highlights the ongoing political tensions in Colorado Springs, with the District 2 vacancy now open for a new appointment amid concerns over 'politics and divisiveness' in the process. This comes after the previous councilmember's resignation before a recall election, underscoring the need for stability and civility in local government.