2025 Oct 27, 08:23
U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert made a surprising announcement on Wednesday night, revealing her decision not to seek reelection in Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. Instead, she plans to run in the 4th Congressional District, which is more favorable to Republicans
Boebert's victory in the 3rd District last year was very close, with a margin of just 546 votes. The 4th District, in contrast, leans 27 points towards Republicans. Although Boebert doesn't currently reside in the 4th District, she is not required to do so in order to represent it. She cited prayer and reflection as contributing factors in her decision. Boebert's reelection chances in the 3rd District were looking uncertain, given the controversies surrounding her, including interrupting President Biden's State of the Union address and making an Islamophobic joke about a fellow representative
Her image was further damaged by an incident at a musical performance where she and a companion were ejected for disruptive behavior. The incident, recorded on surveillance cameras, showed the pair allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct. Despite attempts to moderate her image and focus on legislative work, Boebert's switch to the 4th District suggests that her strategy may not be enough to secure reelection in her current seat. She has faced fundraising difficulties and lost support from prominent Republicans in her district. Boebert, who currently lives in Garfield County, plans to move into the 4th District in 2024. Boebert's decision has implications for national Republicans, who need to hold onto her seat to maintain their narrow majority in the House
Without Boebert running, it is less likely that a Democrat could win in the 3rd District. The district has not sent a Democrat to Congress since 2008, and recent redistricting has made it more favorable to Republicans. Boebert's victory in 2020 was the closest race, excluding her own, since Republicans gained control of the district in 2010. Boebert's departure from the race in the 3rd District opens the door for other Republicans to run, including Grand Junction attorney Jeff Hurd, who already has the support of prominent Republicans. On the Democratic side, former Aspen City Councilman Adam Frisch is running after narrowly losing to Boebert in 2022
The Democratic Party sees Boebert's decision as a victory, claiming to have scared her out of her own district. The differences between Colorado's 3rd and 4th congressional districts are stark. The 3rd District is mountainous, with population centers such as Pueblo, Grand Junction, and ski resorts like Aspen and Durango. Meanwhile, the 4th District is more suburban, with over half of its population residing in conservative Douglas County. Larimer County and the sparsely populated Eastern Plains make up the rest of the district. Colorado's congressional primary elections are scheduled for June 25
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided.