A District Divided: How Lauren Boebert’s Arrival Transformed a Colorado Community
By Jake Beardslee ·
October 28, 2024
Republican Representative Lauren Boebert's decision to relocate and run for office in a new Colorado district has sparked controversy and division in the town of Windsor. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
The move, which took her 240 miles east of her former base in Rifle, has created tension not only between political parties but also within Republican circles. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Windsor, with its population of nearly 43,000, presents a stark contrast to Rifle. DemocraticLuntz / Wikimedia
While Rifle maintains its rustic Western character, Windsor features upscale neighborhoods and a trendy downtown area, with a significantly higher education rate and median household income. Ssullivan1564 / Wikimedia
"She's not a leader; she's a rabble rouser," said Holly Hoag, a long-time Windsor resident and supporter of Boebert's Democratic opponent, Trisha Calvarese, in an interview with The Independent. trisha4colorado.com
The district switch came amid personal controversies for Boebert, including her divorce, a public incident at a Denver theater, and family-related police interventions. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
The move to Colorado's 4th Congressional District, which hasn't elected a Democrat since 2008, appears strategically favorable for the Republican representative. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Despite local Republican opposition to her candidacy, Boebert won the primary decisively.
The district's demographic makeup shows Republicans at 37.1%, Democrats at 17.7%, and unaffiliated voters comprising the largest group at 43.6%. Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
Democratic challenger Calvarese has demonstrated strong fundraising capabilities, raising nearly $2.7 million compared to Boebert's $532,000 between July and September.
"Don't let anybody tell you this race is unwinnable," Calvarese maintains. @trisha4colorado / X
The political division has affected community relationships, according to local resident Janene Willey. 'The flower people are all Democrats, and the veggie people are all Republicans,' she told The Independent, describing the dynamics at her garden operation. @trisha4colorado / X
