Boebert switches congressional districts to one more favorable to Republicans

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) announced Wednesday that she would run to represent her state’s 4th Congressional District, opting to avoid a rematch with Democratic opponent Adam Frisch, whom she narrowly defeated in the 2022 midterms.

In switching districts, Boebert has a better chance at remaining in Congress, and Republicans a better shot at keeping both districts.

Boebert, a fiercely conservative lawmaker, currently represents the state’s 3rd Congressional District, which has a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+7. In the 4th Congressional District, Boebert is running for the most conservative seat in the state, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+13. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), who has said he will not run for reelection, currently holds the seat.

In response to Boebert’s announcement, the Cook Political Report shifted her district from a “toss up” to a “lean Republican.”

“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,” Boebert said in a video announcement on Facebook.

“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.

Acknowledging the tough and highly nationalized rematch she would face if she ran against Frisch in her own district, she added, “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.”

In her video, Boebert said she had a difficult year personally, noting her divorce this past year. She said the decision to move from her district was not an easy one to make.

“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,” she said.

In 2022, Boebert beat Frisch by 546 votes, or less than half a percentage point. Frisch conceded before the automatic recount was complete, and has announced his campaign to run again for the seat in 2024.

In a statement to The Hill provided by his spokesperson, Frisch did not respond to Boebert’s decision specifically but stressed that he remains committed to winning the race to represent the district.

“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,” he added.

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