Colorado voters head to the polls Tuesday to elect their U.S. representatives, with control of the House hanging in the balance. The state's eight congressional districts are currently split 4-4 between Democrats and Republicans, making Colorado a critical battleground in the national fight for the chamber.
Polls close at 9 p.m. EST, and results will begin rolling in shortly after. Here's a closer look at the key races to watch.
3rd District: Hurd faces a rematch
In the western Colorado-based 3rd District, freshman Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd is seeking his first re-election after narrowly winning in 2024 with just under 51% of the vote. Hurd's path to the GOP nomination was rocky: President Trump initially backed primary challenger Hope Scheppelman, labeling Hurd a "RINO," but later re-endorsed Hurd after Scheppelman dropped out of the race.
Hurd now faces Democrat Dwayne Romero, a business owner and Army veteran who defeated ski company founder Alex Kelloff in the Democratic primary. The race is expected to be competitive, with both candidates focusing on economic issues and local concerns.
4th District: Boebert's toughest test?
Rep. Lauren Boebert, a controversial conservative known for her fiery rhetoric, is defending her seat in the 4th District, which covers eastern Colorado and parts of the Denver suburbs. Despite her national profile, election handicappers rate the race as likely or lean Republican, but Boebert faces a credible challenger in retired Navy Rear Adm. Eileen Laubacher, who served as a National Security Council director under former President Biden.
Laubacher is running on a platform of pragmatic leadership and military experience, hoping to appeal to moderate voters in the district. Boebert, meanwhile, has emphasized her conservative record and alignment with Trump.
8th District: A top Democratic target
The 8th District, stretching from Denver's northern suburbs to the Wyoming border, is a prime pickup opportunity for Democrats. Freshman Republican Rep. Gabe Evans won narrowly in 2024 with just 49% of the vote, and Democrats have recruited former state Rep. Manny Rutinel to challenge him. Rutinel resigned his state legislative seat earlier this year to focus on the campaign.
Most election handicappers predict the seat will flip to the Democratic column, which would be a significant blow to Republican hopes of retaining the House. Both candidates have campaigned heavily on issues like abortion, the economy, and public safety.
Other races and national implications
While the 3rd, 4th, and 8th districts are the most competitive, the other five districts are considered safe for their incumbents. However, the overall outcome in Colorado could play a role in determining which party controls the House next year.
Nationally, the midterm elections are being watched closely as a referendum on President Trump's agenda. Early bellwethers and key House races across the country will provide clues about the final balance of power. For a broader look at how the night might unfold, see our guide to early House bellwethers.
In addition to House races, Colorado voters are also deciding the governor's race and a Senate contest. For live updates on those races, check our governor race live blog and Senate race coverage.
As results come in, stay tuned to The World Signal for comprehensive analysis and up-to-the-minute updates on all the key races.
