Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) has switched congressional districts to save her career.
Boebert, a two-term member of Congress, announced Wednesday that she will not be seeking re-election in Colorado’s 3rd congressional district. She will instead run in Colorado’s 4th district which is much friendlier to Republican candidates.
“Today I’m announcing my candidacy for the 2024 Republican nomination to represent Colorado’s 4th Congressional District. It’s the right move for me personally and it’s the right decision for those who support our conservative movement,” Boebert said in a Facebook video.
This news comes months after Boebert and her date was kicked out of a performance of ‘Beetlejuice’ in Denver. Security camera footage showed the pair groping each other and vaping during the performance.
The backlash has resulted in Boebert losing the support of key Republicans in the state who were lining up behind her primary opponent Jeff Hurd.
Even if she had survived that primary fight, Boebert would have faced Democrat Adam Frisch in the general election. Boebert defeated Frisch by fewer that 600 votes in 2022 and he has already outraised her this cycle.
On Wednesday, Boebert suggested that by not running for re-election in the district, it could help Republicans keep the seat.
“I will not allow dark money that is directed at destroying me personally to steal this seat. It’s not fair to the 3rd District and the conservatives there who have fought so hard for our victories,” she said. “We have to protect our majority in the House.”
David Wasserman, elections analyst for the non-partisan election handicapper, Cook Political Report, agrees that Boebert’s decision may help Republicans hold on to the seat in the general election.
“This is good news for Republicans’ chances of holding onto #CO03, as Boebert was the main reason it was in so much jeopardy. Will move from Toss Up to Lean R,” he said.
Following Boebert’s announcement Frisch released a statement saying he is prepared for whomever the GOP nominee is.
“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.” he said. “My focus will remain the same.”
If Boebert wins the GOP nomination in Colorado’s 4th congressional district, she will replace Republican Rep. Ken Buck who announced he will not be seeking re-election.
