Rep. Lauren Boebert is facing voters in a new district for the Colorado primaries on Tuesday. Boebert, who narrowly won reelection in 2022 in Colorado’s 3rd District, decided to run in a more conservative-friendly district in 4th Congressional District after former Rep. Ken Buck decided not to seek reelection. The 4th District, located on the Eastern Plains of Colorado, is a safe Republican district that backed Donald Trump in 2020. Boebert is one of six Republicans vying for their party’s nomination in the district, raising the profile of the race.
While Boebert aligns with the House Freedom Caucus like Buck, they differ in style. Buck resigned from the House in March citing dysfunction in Congress and increasing political polarization, while Boebert has been known to stoke chaos and align with the far-right. Boebert’s personal embarrassments, such as being escorted out of a theater performance for disruptive behavior, have colored her national profile. Despite these setbacks, former President Trump endorsed Boebert, calling her a “Proven Conservative” and trusted America First Fighter.
Boebert’s opponents have accused her of carpetbagging, as she lived hundreds of miles from some of the constituents she would represent. However, Boebert argued that she has experience in Congress that her opponents lack. The primary features other candidates like former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, state Reps. Richard Holtorf and Mike Lynch, and radio host Deborah Flora. The seat is expected to remain in Republican control come November, representing rural eastern Colorado along with the southern portion of the Denver metro area.
Boebert’s decision not to run for the remainder of Buck’s term has made her chances at winning the full term easier. The special election for Buck’s remaining term will feature Republican Greg Lopez against a Democrat. Boebert believes the GOP establishment’s decision to hold a special election during the primary was meant to hurt her chances and confuse voters. Boebert’s switch to a new district has also opened up a contest for her former seat in Colorado’s 3rd District, where a number of Republicans are seeking the nomination, including former state Rep. Ron Hanks, who has aligned with Trump’s election denialism.
Democrats are hoping for a matchup in the 3rd District with a candidate they view as the most extreme to make for an easier win for their nominee, Adam Frisch, in November. The primary in the 3rd District has been competitive, with Democrats working to boost Hanks and his far-right views to increase their chances of winning the seat. Whether this strategy pays off in November remains to be seen, as voters will ultimately decide based on the candidates’ profiles and values in a highly contested race. Boebert’s reputation and record as a national figure will play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the primaries and the general election in Colorado.
