Rep. Lauren Boebert’s campaign says it is investigating “unusual voting patterns” as the Colorado Republican trails Democrat Eileen Laubacher in an unfinished congressional count and prepares for a possible recount.
As of 8 a.m. MST on November 6, Boebert trailed by about 0.9 percentage points with more than 97% of the estimated vote counted, according to the Associated Press.
Campaign attorney Scott Gessler said later returns had narrowed the deficit.
Campaign Expects Recount
In a statement, Gessler said: “A significant number of votes remain outstanding in the race. We are fighting for every vote and will continue to ensure every legal vote is counted. Since election night, ballot returns have been trending in Congresswoman Boebert’s direction, consistently lowering the margin under one percentage point.”
He continued: “We are investigating some very unusual voting patterns and expect this election to head to a recount, one way or another.”
Gessler added that “every legal vote must be counted accurately, fully, and transparently,” and that the campaign will “continue to investigate throughout the process to protect the integrity of this election and ensure Coloradans can have complete confidence in the results.”
Denver television anchor Kyle Clark reported on Thursday evening that Laubacher’s lead remained well beyond the roughly 921-vote automatic recount threshold calculated from the count at that time. That threshold can change as additional votes are included.
Boebert struck a more personal tone when speaking to Clark on Wednesday. “This doesn’t define me,” she said. “I’m a mom, I’m a granny, and I’m a believer. We’re going to continue moving faith to faith, glory to glory.”
Colorado Conditions
State law requires a recount when the difference between the two leading candidates is no more than half a percent of the leading candidate’s vote total.
It is not calculated as half a percentage point of all votes cast.
A mandatory recount occurs after the canvass board certifies the original count.
A losing candidate or another eligible interested party can also request a recount outside that threshold, at its own expense. Colorado’s separate requested-recount provision sets the filing window between 10 and 22 days after the election.
This would be no later than November 25.
Counting can continue after election night under established rules.
Douglas County lists November 12 as the deadline to receive qualifying military and overseas ballots and to resolve eligible signature or identification problems.
The Colorado Clerks Association likewise identifies November 25 as the deadline for counties to complete their canvass and submit official results to the secretary of state.
A Safer District
Boebert sought the 4th District seat in 2024 after narrowly retaining the neighboring 3rd District in 2022, announcing the switch in December 2023.
Although the district is more conservative, the latest race has put her under pressure from Laubacher, a retired Navy rear admiral and first-time candidate.
The Democrat’s campaign focused on affordability and rural healthcare.
She also criticized Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war as contributors to household costs.
Trump Backed Boebert After Earlier Clashes
Boebert has had a tumultuous relationship with President Donald Trump during her re-election campaign, sometimes publicly disagreeing with him, and sometimes backing him.
She joined Republicans pushing for disclosure of government records concerning Jeffrey Epstein despite White House pressure.
Trump also attacked her in May for supporting Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and threatened to back a primary challenger.
“Is anyone interested in running against weak-minded Lauren Boebert in Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District?” he posted on Truth Social.
However, Boebert received an endorsement from the president shortly before the election.
He described her as a “MAGA Warrior,” adding that she was “doing an incredible job” representing the district.
Donald Trump in 2024 Creative Commons
2016 Donald Trump Campaign Stop Creative Commons
She was one of four Republicans in Colorado standing for the House endorsed by Trump, with Jeff Hurd, Jeff Crank and Gabe Evans also backed by the president. “To the great people of Colorado, get out and vote for these great patriots!” Trump wrote on social media on election day. “They have my complete and total endorsement and will never let you down.”
The AP has called the races against Crank and Evans, while Hurd held a lead of less than two percentage points as of 8 a.m. MST on November 6.
About the Author: Shay Bottomley
Shay Bottomley is a British journalist. He has written for the Western Standard, Business Insider, Maidenhead Advertiser, Slough Express, Windsor Express, Berkshire Live and Southend Echo.
