In a high-stakes primary debate for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, Republican Representative Lauren Boebert found herself confronted by multiple GOP opponents over her decision to switch districts, sparking accusations of “carpetbagging” – a term referring to candidates running for offices far from where they reside.
Boebert, who originally represented the western swath of Colorado, faced a challenging re-election bid in her old district, winning by a narrow margin of fewer than 600 votes in 2022. In December, she surprised many by abandoning her original seat to run in a seemingly safer district covering the eastern portion of the state.
During the debate, State Representative Mike Lynch, a former minority leader of the Colorado House and one of Boebert’s rivals, seized the opportunity to question her directly. Lynch asked Boebert to define “carpetbagger,” a term often used to criticize candidates who run for offices in locations where they do not live.
Boebert’s response to Lynch’s question was met with a touch of humor, as she quipped, “Is this a ‘Mary Poppins’ question?” before addressing the switch. Boebert explained that her decision was motivated by the need for a fresh start for herself and her children, citing her divorce from her ex-husband, Jayson.
The debate, held in Fort Lupton, northeast of Denver, became a battleground for questions about Boebert’s residency. The issue was not limited to Lynch’s inquiry, as other candidates also made allusions or direct references to her district switch.
Deborah Flora, a conservative radio host participating in the debate, confronted Boebert about her previous comments concerning former state Sen. Kerry Donovan, a Democrat who briefly challenged Boebert in 2022. Boebert had criticized Donovan for living just outside Boebert’s old district, advising her to focus on her own constituency.
Flora pressed Boebert on the inconsistency, questioning why the same standards wouldn’t apply to her. Boebert defended her move, asserting that it represented a “fresh start” for her family and herself in the 4th District. She insisted that her relocation to the new district aligned with her commitment to its values, even though the crops may be different.
The debate took a contentious turn when Lynch referenced Boebert’s earlier mention of his DUI and gun-possession arrest from 2022, which led to his resignation as minority leader. Boebert responded with a pointed comment, expressing hope for Lynch to regain his gun rights.
As the primary race intensifies, Boebert’s decision to switch districts and the subsequent allegations of carpetbagging promise to remain central themes, shaping the narrative around her candidacy and the broader dynamics of the Republican primary in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District.