Denver: Democrat Eileen Laubacher has defeated Republican Representative Lauren Boebert in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, ending the three-term congresswoman’s tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Associated Press called the race Friday, November 13.
The closely watched Colorado election remained undecided for more than a week after Election Day as county officials continued processing eligible ballots, including corrected, military and overseas votes.
According to unofficial districtwide results published by Douglas County, Laubacher received 186,244 votes, representing 48.78% of the total. Boebert secured 182,909 votes, or 47.91%, leaving Laubacher ahead by 3,335 votes.
Libertarian candidate Douglas Mangeris received 12,618 votes, accounting for 3.31% of the reported total. The final outcome marked a significant political setback for Republicans in a district traditionally considered a stronghold for their party.
Laubacher, a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, will become the first Democrat to represent Colorado’s 4th Congressional District since 2008. Her victory also marks an important shift in the district’s political representation.
The district covers Colorado’s Eastern Plains and portions of several Front Range counties, including Douglas, Adams, Arapahoe, Larimer and Weld. Its Republican advantage had made a Democratic victory appear unlikely before the election.
Boebert initially represented Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District before moving to the 4th District. She won the seat in 2024 with 53.6% of the vote after deciding to seek reelection in a more Republican-leaning constituency.
The Republican congresswoman built a national profile through her outspoken political positions, support for President Donald Trump and membership in the House Freedom Caucus. Her defeat represents another setback for Republicans following widespread losses in the midterm elections.
The Associated Press announced Laubacher as the winner after regular ballot-counting deadlines passed. CBS News and Fox News also called the contest for the Democratic challenger following the completion of eligible ballot counting.
Boebert acknowledged the result in a social media video Friday, saying she had contacted Laubacher to congratulate her. She also indicated her willingness to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power following the election outcome.
The Colorado election result remains subject to the state’s official canvass and certification process. County canvass boards must complete their reviews and submit vote totals to the secretary of state by November 25.
Although major news organizations have called the race, unofficial results do not constitute formal certification. Election officials must complete ballot reviews, reconcile voting records and conduct required audits before confirming the final outcome.
Colorado also follows a risk-limiting audit process that compares samples of paper ballots against digital election results. These procedures help verify that reported totals accurately reflect the votes cast by eligible voters.
Laubacher had already attended orientation activities in Washington alongside other incoming members of Congress earlier in the week. She has emphasized representing district residents and addressing their everyday concerns as she prepares for the transition.
The election outcome could also affect the balance of power in the incoming House of Representatives. Fox News reported that Democrats had secured 256 seats compared with 169 for Republicans among the races called at that time.
The final certified results will determine the official vote totals in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District and formally complete the election process that removed Boebert from her congressional seat.
