Colorado Republican Representative Lauren Boebert recently relocated to Colorado’s 4th Congressional District after announcing she would switch districts and run for re-election in the newly available seat.
Boebert, who originally represented Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District in 2020, is now competing in a solidly Republican district that has only elected one Democratic House member over the past five decades. While moving to the 4th District would seemingly give Boebert a better chance at re-election, recent straw poll results indicate she could face an uphill battle.
During a straw poll following the 4th District’s first GOP debate, Boebert came in fifth place, receiving only 12 votes from attendees, which equates to roughly 10% of the total votes. Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg, former Colorado House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, Douglas County filmmaker Deborah Flora, and state House Minority Whip Richard Holtorf all received more votes than Boebert. While the straw poll only included candidates who attended the debate and isn’t scientifically accurate, Boebert’s middle-of-the-pack finish resulted in some gasps and shrugs.
Boebert defended her decision to switch districts during the debate and rebuffed accusations of carpetbagging. Instead, she explained that her family needed a fresh start and that the values of Colorado’s 4th District were similar to those of her former district. Boebert stated that she was a proven fighter for the values held by the people in this district, which include securing personal rights and future prospects for children.
Boebert’s move to the 4th District is a strategic move to increase her chance of re-election as her previous district was a swing district with a much narrower margin of victory in the 2020 election. Before her move, Boebert was planning to compete against Democrat Adam Frisch for the second time. However, the new district gives Boebert a much better chance of winning the Republican nomination, which would significantly enhance her odds of securing re-election.
Tammy Klein, the debate’s organizer, reportedly noted that only two-thirds of the attendees participated in the straw poll. Klein expressed disappointment at the low turnout and suggests that the poll’s results not be taken too seriously. However, the poll’s results could potentially cause concerns for Boebert and her campaign. As the race moves forward, only time will tell whether Boebert’s new district will be the winning ticket for her re-election bid.
