Boebert switches congressional districts, avoiding a Democratic opponent who has far outraised her

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Republican Representative Lauren Boebert has made a significant announcement by shifting her focus to a different congressional district. This move comes as she seeks to avoid a potentially challenging rematch against a Democrat who has significantly outpaced her in fundraising. Boebert, known for her controversial style and recent public mishaps, aims to secure the Republican nomination in the district currently represented by retiring Congressman Ken Buck on the eastern side of the state.

Her decision involves leaving behind the 3rd District, which she narrowly won in the previous election and was at risk of losing in the upcoming election due to growing discontent within her own party regarding her unconventional approach. In a Facebook video, Boebert justified her move by asserting that she won’t allow external influences, particularly “dark money” aimed at undermining her, to seize the seat. She emphasized her commitment to the conservative voters of the 3rd District who have staunchly supported her.

Boebert also took a firm stance against what she referred to as “Aspen donors, George Soros, and Hollywood actors” attempting to influence the district, stating unequivocally that they are unwelcome.

In her video statement, Boebert described this shift as “a fresh start,” acknowledging the challenges she has faced in the past year, including her divorce and a public incident during a performance of “Beetlejuice” in Denver. The latter incident caused controversy and led to apologies from Boebert, who recognized that some of her loyal supporters viewed it as a departure from conservative Christian values.

Previously, Boebert was gearing up for a primary challenge in her current district and a general election battle against Democrat Adam Frisch, who came remarkably close to defeating her in 2022. Frisch had amassed a substantial fundraising advantage, with $7.7 million compared to Boebert’s $2.4 million. However, with her decision to compete for Buck’s seat, Boebert will be running in a district that strongly favored former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, with a margin of approximately 20 percentage points.

It’s worth noting that representatives are not required to reside within the congressional district they represent, only within the state. Nevertheless, Boebert has announced her intention to move to the eastern part of Colorado, where the district is located.

In the 2022 election, Frisch’s campaign gained support from unaffiliated voters and Republicans who had grown disenchanted with Boebert’s brash, Trump-aligned style. The campaign’s slogan, “stop the circus,” aimed to position Frisch as the “pro-normal” alternative to Boebert’s more partisan approach.

Following Boebert’s announcement, Frisch expressed readiness to face the eventual Republican candidate, emphasizing his commitment to defending rural Colorado’s way of life and offering pragmatic solutions to the district’s challenges.

Among the Republican contenders in the 3rd District, Jeff Hurd has emerged as the second-highest fundraiser behind Boebert. Hurd, a more traditional Republican candidate, has garnered support from prominent Republicans within the district.

Boebert’s entry into politics was marked by a surprise primary victory against the incumbent Republican congressman in the 3rd District in 2020. Her tenure has been characterized by controversies, including her attempt to carry a pistol into the U.S. Capitol and high-profile clashes with liberal Democrats such as Representatives Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

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More about District Shift

• Lauren Boebert announces district switch
• Boebert’s Facebook video statement
• Adam Frisch’s campaign fundraising
• Ken Buck’s retiring congressional seat
• Jeff Hurd’s campaign support
• Lauren Boebert’s controversial incidents