Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert is refusing to concede defeat in her bid for a fourth term, insisting that the race is far from over even as major outlets project a victory for her Democratic challenger.
Speaking to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol on Monday, Boebert pushed back against CNN's Decision Desk call that had declared Democrat Eileen Laubacher the winner in Colorado's 4th Congressional District. "The fat lady ain't sung yet," Boebert told TMZ's Jacob Wasserman, signaling that she believes the outcome remains uncertain.
Boebert pointed to the ongoing process of ballot curing, which allows voters to fix errors on mail-in or absentee ballots. She said thousands of such ballots are still being processed, with a correction deadline set for Thursday evening and the process expected to conclude Friday. She also noted that military and overseas ballots have yet to be received and counted.
"So there's thousands of ballots, and if it changes the outcome, it changes the outcome, and if not, we'll accept the decision," Boebert said.
The race for the 4th District is one of the last House contests yet to be called by Decision Desk HQ, alongside more than a dozen others. Democrats have already secured control of both chambers of Congress in last week's midterm elections, but additional seats would strengthen their ability to advance their legislative agenda.
As of Monday evening, Laubacher, a retired U.S. Navy admiral, held a lead of less than 1 percent with 95 percent of the vote counted, according to Decision Desk HQ. Laubacher declared victory in a statement posted to her campaign's social media account on Monday.
"This victory is historic," Laubacher wrote on X. "But making history means nothing if we don't make a difference. My focus is simple: lower costs, protect healthcare, strengthen rural communities, take on corruption in both parties and hold Washington accountable."
When pressed by Wasserman about how she would feel about losing her seat, Boebert responded, "It's almost liberating in a sense." She added, "I want to offer condolences to some of my friends that did win."
The Colorado Republican also indicated that if she loses, she would prioritize ensuring her staff are placed in good positions outside her office. "That would be a big priority. Other than that, this job doesn't define me," she said. "Elections matter, but this doesn't change who I am and what I do."
Boebert's refusal to concede comes amid a broader political climate where some Republicans are pushing back on the midterm results, while Democrats point to gains even in states they lost. The outcome in Colorado's 4th District could have implications for the party's margins in the next Congress.
