Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert is known for her MAGA values, anti-LGBTQ+ voting and mocking of gender identities. It was some comfort to many in her state’s queer community that they wouldn’t have to put up with her for much longer.
However, it now looks more likely they’re stuck with her.
Boebert only narrowly won her seat in 2020 and then again in the 2022 midterms. Her re-election went to a recount and she scraped a win with around 546 votes more than her Democratic challenger, Adam Frisch.
Frisch is standing for election in District 3 again. He’s managed to raise and spend more money on his campaign than Boebert. At the same time, Boebert’s popularity rating has sunk. Even Republican voters in her district feel she’s more concerned with grabbing headlines than doing much for them at the local level.
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When she made headlines for groping a date in a Denver theatre, it didn’t exactly improve her standing among conservatives.
In short, she was staring defeat in the face come next November.
Boebert’s big announcement
Yesterday she took to social media to make a big announcement. She’s ditching District 3 and instead running for District 4. The seat is being vacated by fellow Republican Ken Buck. It is regarded as the safest GOP seat in the state.
“Today, I am announcing my candidacy for the 2024 Republican nomination to represent Colorado’s Fourth Congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. It’s the right move for me personally, and it’s the right decision for those who support our conservative movement. This is the right move for Colorado. For us,” she said in a social media video.
I wanted to let you, my constituents and supporters, hear directly from me about my plans for the 2024 election cycle and the importance of maintaining a conservative voice for Colorado in Congress as well as keeping our Republican House majority.
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) December 28, 2023
I cannot put into words how… pic.twitter.com/YY5PHS1EJs
“Since the first day I ran for public office, I promised I would do whatever it takes to stop the socialists and communists from taking over our country. That means staying in the fight,” she added.
She went on to claim that her District 3 opponent Frisch had an unfair advantage against her due to his financial backing.
“I will not allow dark money, that is directed at destroying me personally, to steal this seat. It’s not fair to the third district and the conservatives there who have fought so hard for our victories, of which I’m incredibly grateful.”
She went on to say it had been a difficult decision.
“I did not arrive at this decision easily. A lot of prayer. A lot of tough conversations and a lot of perspective has 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 and for the future of our great country.”
Boebert mocked for switching districts
Online, many questioned how tough a decision it had been for Boebert.
Translation: my district hates me and I have no chance of winning re-election. I am going to do everything in my power to stay in Congress by running in a different district.
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) December 28, 2023
Go away.
Nothing says you're doing public service for the people like jumping ship to another district to increase your chances of winning.
— Jared Ryan Sears (@JaredRyanSears) December 28, 2023
It is all about power and money.
Does the new district know why you're polling so poorly in your old district Ms. Boebert?
My Uber driver says he can get you a job if things don’t work out for you, Lauren. pic.twitter.com/l5yjAM439T
— 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕖_𝔻𝕚𝕧𝕚𝕟𝕖 (@SundaeDivine) December 28, 2023
I’m thrilled to see you go. But I do think that you should just keep on heading out of Colorado. Don’t stop till after the state line. District 4 has good people that they would like to vote for candidates that live there and care about their needs something you are not your…
— Bella (@BellAirMB) December 28, 2023
Frisch has not responded directly to news of Boebert’s announcement. Responding to a request for comment from The Hill, he did not mention Boebert by name.
“We have one of the greatest name ID, fundraising, and district-wide relationship advantages for any challenger in the country,” he said. “From Day 1 of this race, I have been squarely focused on defending rural Colorado’s way of life, and offering common sense solutions to the problems facing the families of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.”
“My focus will remain the same, and I look forward to bringing these issues with me to Congress in 2024.”
As for why the Colorado GOP approved Boebert’s move is open to debate. However, some commentators suggest that any alternative GOP candidate placed in District 3 is likely to perform better than Boebert. This switch increases the chances of Republicans holding on to both seats.
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