Ava Flanell

Ava Flanell is an American politician and member of the Colorado House of Representatives, representing the 14th district as a member of the Republican Party. She was appointed to her position in October 2025, following the resignation of her predecessor, Rose Pugliese. Flanell has a background as a firearms instructor and social media personality, and she has been actively involved in the firearms industry through her business ventures.

Early life and career

Ava Flanell was born on July 22, 1986, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to parents Mel Bernstein and Terry Flanell. She spent her formative years in Colorado Springs and completed her secondary education at a local charter high school. Following high school, Flanell pursued higher education at Fordham University, where she earned degrees in English and Communications in a span of three years.

Flanell's family background is closely tied to the firearms industry. Her father, Mel Bernstein, known by the nickname "Dragonman," was a weapons dealer and gained notoriety for his extensive collection of firearms, which he claimed made him one of the most armed individuals in the United States. This environment likely influenced Flanell's later career choices and her involvement in the firearms community.

In 2012, Flanell returned to Colorado to participate in the filming of a reality television show centered around her family's business. However, the production was marred by tragedy when her mother, Terry, died due to a malfunction involving a pyrotechnic device. Following this event, Flanell took on a more active role in the family business, which specializes in firearms and training. Although she initially distanced herself from her father, the two later reconciled, indicating a complex family dynamic.

In 2013, Flanell established her own business, Elite Firearms and Training, located in Colorado Springs. This venture allowed her to further engage with the firearms community and provide training and education to individuals interested in firearms safety and usage. In 2017, she expanded her professional scope by founding a marketing and media company aimed at amplifying voices within the firearms industry and educating broader audiences about firearms-related issues.

Flanell's involvement in legislative matters began to take shape when she testified against Senate Bill 25-3 in January 2025. This bill sought to ban the sale of semi-automatic firearms equipped with detachable magazines. Despite her opposition, the bill ultimately passed through both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis in April 2025.

Legislative service

Flanell's entry into the Colorado House of Representatives came in the wake of Rose Pugliese's resignation on September 15, 2025. Pugliese, who served as the minority leader, cited a hostile environment created by Democratic legislators as a reason for her departure. Following this announcement, a vacancy committee from the El Paso County Republican Party convened to select a replacement for Pugliese.

On September 22, 2025, Flanell was appointed to fill the vacancy after a competitive selection process in which she defeated fellow candidate Joe Woyte in a second-round vote. However, this initial appointment faced legal challenges when Joshua Griffin, another candidate, claimed that the selection process did not comply with state law due to the committee's failure to provide adequate notice prior to their meeting. As a result, the Colorado Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, voided the appointment.

In compliance with the Secretary of State's directives, the vacancy committee reconvened on October 11, 2025. During this meeting, Flanell was again selected to represent the 14th district, this time defeating two other candidates in a more structured voting process. Flanell received a total of 32 votes, while her opponents, Joe Woyte and Troy Vanderhule, received 17 and 16 votes, respectively. Following the first round of voting, Vanderhule withdrew and endorsed Woyte, leading to a second round in which Flanell secured her position with 34 votes against Woyte's 30.

Flanell's appointment to the Colorado House of Representatives marked the beginning of her formal legislative career, allowing her to engage in the political process and represent her constituents in the state legislature.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Colorado House of Representatives, Flanell represents the 14th district, which encompasses parts of Colorado Springs. Her policy focus is significantly influenced by her background in the firearms industry and her experiences as a firearms instructor. Flanell's advocacy for Second Amendment rights and her opposition to gun control measures are central themes in her legislative agenda.

Her previous testimony against Senate Bill 25-3 illustrates her commitment to opposing legislation that she perceives as infringing on the rights of gun owners. This focus aligns with the interests of many constituents in her district, who may share similar views on firearms regulation.

Flanell's business experience, particularly her ownership of Elite Firearms and Training, positions her as a knowledgeable voice on issues related to firearms safety, training, and education. Through her legislative role, she aims to promote policies that support responsible gun ownership and enhance public understanding of firearms-related topics.

In summary, Ava Flanell's career reflects a blend of personal experience, business acumen, and political engagement, all of which inform her approach to representing her district in the Colorado House of Representatives. As she continues her service, her focus on firearms issues and advocacy for Second Amendment rights will likely remain pivotal aspects of her legislative work.