Let’s take a peek into the political scene in Colorado, where Rep. Lauren Boebert’s career could take a significant turn. After a challenging year filled with scandals, the bombastic two-term Republican has shifted her political ambitions from the state’s Western Slope to its Eastern plains and suburbs. This move seems to be paying off as Boebert has outpaced her Republican primary rivals in fundraising and holds a substantial lead in the polls.
In recent weeks, Coloradans have been casting their ballots by mail, leading up to Tuesday’s primary election. If Boebert secures the nomination, she’ll be in a strong position for the general election in a district with a 13-point Republican advantage, according to the Cook Political Report.
Boebert, known for her vocal support of gun rights and national recognition for her provocative actions, has received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who called her a “trusted America First Fighter.” Despite attempts to moderate her confrontational style, she remains a member of the hard-line House Freedom Caucus, which often clashes with party leadership and draws support from voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
In Douglas County, a wealthy suburb of Denver that constitutes nearly half of the district’s Republicans, many voters expressed support for Boebert. For example, Castle Rock retiree Charlie VanderLinden, citing national issues like immigration and crime, said, “I know she’s controversial, but she has a lot of spirit and she’ll fight for what’s important.” VanderLinden was among the few who chose to vote in person due to distrust in mail-in ballots.
Rival GOP candidate Deborah Flora, a radio host with several high-profile endorsements, remains optimistic, noting that many voters are still undecided according to recent polls. She believes the race is fluid and that voters might turn away from drama and dysfunction.
Boebert’s move to the Eastern Fourth District came after a narrow re-election win in 2022 in the Third Congressional District. Initially facing skepticism and accusations of carpetbagging, Boebert’s star power and name recognition helped her stand out in a crowded field. Despite controversies, including an incident where she was removed from a Denver theater for vaping and groping her date, Boebert has maintained significant support.
In March, Rep. Ken Buck’s immediate resignation prompted a special election for the last months of his term. The special election, happening alongside the regular primary, did not elevate Boebert’s opponents as expected. Instead, Republicans nominated Greg Lopez, a former mayor of Parker, Colo., who vowed to serve only until January 2025 and not seek the nomination for the general election.
Polling in February by Kaplan Strategies suggested Boebert could lose if her opposition unified behind a single challenger. However, with six candidates still in the race, recent polls show Boebert leading with 40% support, while her opponents remain largely unknown.
Drew Sexton, Boebert’s campaign spokesman, credited her on-the-ground efforts for her positive trajectory in the race. Voter Carolyn Smith, a retired church volunteer, said she was swayed by Boebert’s persistent campaign materials and a generally favorable view of her politics, choosing to overlook past controversies.
Political consultant Dick Wadhams expects Boebert to prevail in both the primary and the general election but will watch her margins closely. A narrower win could indicate future vulnerability for the Republican district.
