Colorado’s congressional delegation is facing a reshuffling in the state primaries as a result of a retirement, a resignation, and a relocation. At least a third of the state’s population will have new representation in Washington next year. The primaries will also lay the groundwork for a general election in which two competitive Colorado districts could help determine control of the U.S. House. In the 3rd Congressional District, two-term Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert faced a tough rematch with Democrat Adam Frisch. However, Boebert decided to run for an open seat in the neighboring 4th Congressional District, where Republicans have a bigger advantage.
Boebert faces a crowded Republican primary field in the 4th District, which includes several state representatives, a conservative activist, a county commissioner, and a banking executive. On the Democratic side, candidates seeking the nomination include a speechwriter, a Marine Corps veteran, and an engineer. Meanwhile, former Republican U.S. Rep. Ken Buck’s resignation in March triggered a special general election to serve out the remaining six months of his term. The race appears on the ballot alongside the regularly scheduled primaries for the full term.
Since her election in 2020, Boebert has become a polarizing figure known for her combative style and controversial actions. Despite facing personal challenges in the past year, including a messy divorce and a family member’s arrest, Boebert has still managed to maintain a strong position in her re-election campaign. With the backing of former President Donald Trump and the state party, she leads the field in fundraising. In the 3rd District, Democratic candidate Adam Frisch is unopposed for the nomination and will face the winner of a crowded Republican primary field.
In the 8th Congressional District, first-term U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo is unopposed in the Democratic primary. Her Republican opponent will be either state Rep. Gabe Evans or former state Rep. Janak Joshi. The district is near Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, and was won by Trump in the last two presidential elections. In the 5th Congressional District, Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn’s upcoming retirement has created an opening for this Republican-friendly seat anchored by Colorado Springs. Multiple candidates are vying for the Republican nomination, including a political consultant and a talk radio host.
The primaries in Colorado also include contested races for state Senate and state House seats. About half of the state’s 35 Senate seats and all 65 House seats are up for election this year, with Democrats holding a 2-to-1 majority in both chambers. Registered party members can only vote in their own party’s primary, while independent or unaffiliated voters may participate in any party’s primary. The primary day in Colorado is on Tuesday, with polls closing at 9 p.m. ET. The Associated Press will provide vote results and declare winners in 35 contests, including 6 contested U.S. House primaries and other state-level races.
