DENVER—Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper set Sept. 10 as the date for the state’s first-ever legislative recall election Thursday after a judge rejected a lawsuit aimed at stopping the recalls of two Democratic state legislators.

Denver District Court Chief Judge Robert Hyatt said the recall may proceed, ruling that the right of citizens to recall officeholders outweighed the technical objections to the petitions brought by constituents of Senate President John Morse and state Sen. Angela Giron.

“I’m really, really happy, obviously,” said Victor Head, president of Pueblo Freedom and Rights, which organized the Giron recall. “He ruled with the people instead of with the lawyers and the bureaucrats.”

Citizens’ groups began circulating petitions in April to recall the two lawmakers in reaction to their votes in favor of three gun-control bills, which took effect July 1. A petition drive to repeal the bill restricting ammunition-magazine capacity is also underway.

Ms. Giron vowed to fight for her Senate seat in a post Thursday on her Facebook page.

“Yes, I’m aware of Chief District Judge Hyatt’s ruling and I’m READY!” said Ms. Giron. “This last session was my most successful yet and I’ll continue to talk with SD3 residents about our successes. Whether it’s an election in September or next year, I’m ready!!! Are you with me?”

Candidates seeking a spot on the recall ballots have until July 29 to submit 1,000 valid signatures from registered voters. So far retired Deputy Police Chief George Rivera has said that he will challenge Ms. Giron, while former Colorado Springs city councilman Bernie Herpin plans to run against Mr. Morse.

Mark Grueskin, attorney for Morse and Giron constituents, told KDVR-TV that he may appeal the judge’s decision to the Colorado Supreme Court.

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