DENVER – A diminished caucus of Senate Democrats elected Aurora Sen. Morgan Carroll as the chamber’s new president Wednesday morning.

The promotion was necessary after former Senate President John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, was recalled in September for his votes on gun bills.

Democratic Sen. Angela Giron of Pueblo also was recalled.

Carroll’s election will be formalized in January, when the Legislature convenes for its 2014 session.

However, gun-rights activists in Denver’s northwest suburbs have launched a new recall campaign against Sen. Evie Hudak, D-Westminster.

If that effort is successful, Democrats will lose their 18-17 majority, and Carroll’s tenure as president will be over almost before it begins.

Carroll had served as Senate majority leader. Sen Rollie Heath, D-Boulder, replaced her in that post.

Carroll is just the third woman in Colorado history to hold the top post in either the Senate or the House.

jhanel@durangoherald.com