Republican Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado has announced a significant shift in her political plans, choosing to forgo her reelection bid in the state’s 3rd Congressional District. Instead, she intends to run in the more GOP-friendly 4th Congressional District on the other side of the state.
Boebert’s decision comes on the heels of her narrow victory by just 546 votes in the 3rd District last year, which stretches across Colorado’s Western Slope into Pueblo and southeastern regions. In contrast, the 4th District is centered in Douglas County, featuring Loveland and the rural Eastern Plains, and leans 27 points in favor of Republicans.
In a Facebook video announcing her move, Boebert emphasized the difficulty of her decision, stating, “A lot of prayer, a lot of tough conversations, and a lot of perspective convinced me that this is the best way I can continue to fight for Colorado, for the conservative movement, and for my children’s future.”
Boebert, known for her outspoken behavior, faced criticisms related to her conduct in Congress, including interrupting President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address and making an Islamophobic joke about Representative Ilhan Omar. Additionally, an incident at a performance of “Beetlejuice” in Denver, where she was ejected for disruptive behavior, further tarnished her image.
Despite efforts to reshape her public image and focus on legislative achievements, Boebert’s attempt to moderate her political persona did not appear sufficient to secure reelection in the 3rd District. She struggled with fundraising and lost support from prominent Republicans in western Colorado.
Boebert’s decision to run in the 4th District is not without political risks, as it was previously represented by U.S. Representative Ken Buck, who announced he wouldn’t seek reelection in 2024. Boebert’s move is expected to give the GOP a better chance of retaining control of the district.
On the Democratic side, former Aspen City Councilman Adam Frisch, who narrowly lost to Boebert in 2022, and Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout are among the candidates running in the 3rd District. Boebert’s departure is likely to prompt additional Republican contenders in the 3rd District race.
While Boebert currently resides in Garfield County, near the town of Silt, she clarified that members of Congress are only required to live in the state they represent, not necessarily in the specific district. She pledged to move into the 4th District in 2024.