Rep. Lauren Boebert arrives for a House Republicans caucus meeting on Capitol Hill, on Oct. 12, 2023, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Democratic candidate Adam Frisch has emerged as a fundraising force, outpacing incumbent Republican Representative Lauren Boebert in Colorado’s closely watched congressional race.
The most recent campaign finance reports reveal a significant disparity in fundraising between the two candidates. Boebert raised $853,840 in the last quarter, whereas Frisch raised an impressive $3,388,244.66 during the same period, which covers July through September. Additionally, Boebert’s campaign spending exceeded her fundraising, leaving her with around $1.4 million in the bank. In contrast, Frisch’s campaign boasts $4.3 million in funds, creating a substantial financial advantage for the Democratic contender.
Boebert, in response to her fundraising numbers, expressed gratitude for the support from grassroots donors, emphasizing the importance of their contributions. She acknowledged the likelihood of significant spending from progressive dark-money groups in the upcoming race but maintained her confidence in securing the necessary resources to convey her message and secure victory in 2024.
While nearly 60% of Boebert’s campaign funding came from donors who contributed less than $200, Frisch’s campaign also relied on a considerable portion, approximately 65%, from the same category of contributors.
The fundraising gap in this race raises concerns for Republicans, given their slim majority. Losing a seat like Boebert’s would be a significant setback, especially considering the need to defend vulnerable Republicans in states like New York and California. Boebert narrowly won her 2022 reelection battle against Frisch by a mere 546 votes.
The Cook Political Report currently rates the race for Boebert’s seat as a toss-up. Despite the district’s partisan voter index, which is 7 points more Republican than the national average at the presidential level, the race remains highly competitive.
Boebert, known for her staunch conservative positions, is a member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus. Her presence in Washington has been marked by her unyielding ideological stances. Notably, she did not support Representative Matt Gaetz’s attempt to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, contributing to McCarthy’s prolonged 15-round voting process before securing the speakership in January.
Boebert has also drawn attention for her public controversies, including being asked to leave a performance of “Beetlejuice” in Denver. Footage from the event appeared to show her engaging in inappropriate behavior with her date.
Furthermore, her campaign finance report revealed expenditures at a bar whose owner was reportedly her date at the performance.
While both Boebert and Frisch are facing primary opponents, they are the frontrunners likely to face off in a general election rematch. The significant financial advantage that Frisch has established could play a pivotal role in the upcoming race, making it a closely monitored contest in the 2024 election cycle.
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