Western Slope representation in Congress is down to just a few names

Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District has seen some rapid changes over the last three months with many candidates dropping from the race and others tossing their name in the hat.

On June 25, 2024, residents of District 3 will vote in a primary to determine which two candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election. Eleven names are expected to appear, ten are republican with only one democratic nominee.

The total land area of District 3 is just under 50,000 square miles. That is roughly half of the entire state of Colorado. As of 2021, approximately 737,812 people reside in the district. That is roughly 7.5% of the state’s population. The 2022 election saw 327,285 votes cast of the 564,321 eligible voters, putting the district at about 58% in voter turnout.

Following Boebert’s decision to run for congress in a new district, republicans flocked to maintain GOP control of the seat. Republican voters in the area must now decide which candidate is the best fit to replace Boebert.

No polling has been conducted to indicate a front runner for the republican primary. The following is a comprehensive list of all people who have filed a Statement of Candidacy with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC). In alphabetical order by last name and separated by party, the roster indicates policy positions and relevant information for the voters in District 3.

CMU Alumni and Grand Junction City Mayor Anna Stout was originally on the ballot but decided to drop out of the race following Boebert’s move.

The filing deadline for those wishing to run is March 19, 2024. There is potential for new names to appear as well as the possibility that candidates may decide to drop out leading up to the primary elections, which will be held on June 25.