DENVER — Every Republican-held Congressional seat in Colorado is up for grabs.
Nine-term Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn announced on Friday morning that he is retiring.
That opens up Congressional District 5 (CD5) in Colorado Springs, which is a Republican stronghold. As is Congressional District 4 (CD4) in Douglas County and the eastern plains. That seat is open with the retirement of Republican Congressman Ken Buck. And Congressional District 3 (CD3) is open because current Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is now running for CD4.
Who might now run for the CD5 Republican nomination in El Paso County?
Considering running for CD5
Dave Williams – Colorado Republican Party Chair
Williams told Colorado Politics that he is considering a run for CD5.
Wayne Williams – Former Colorado Springs city councilman/Former Colorado Secretary of State
Williams just lost his race for Colorado Springs mayor.
"Like many people, I am examining the situation. I've had a number of people who have reached out and asked me to consider running,” Williams said.
When asked if there was a candidate that would keep him from considering running for CD5, Williams said yes.
“If [former Colorado Springs mayor] John Suthers were to run, I believe he has done a phenomenal job as the leader of our city, and so I would not run against John,” Williams said.
Jeff Crank – Radio Host/Americans for Prosperity Regional Director
When former Congressman Joel Heffley retired in 2006, Crank ran in the Republican primary that Lamborn won. He challenged Lamborn again in 2008, but lost.
“I’m going to take some time to talk with my family about it and pray about it and make a decision soon,” Crank said. "Over the next eight to 10 days, I will decide about whether I will seek the Republican nomination to represent the 5th Congressional District in Congress."
State Sen. Bob Gardner – (R) Colorado Springs
Gardner, who is known for lengthy speeches on the floor of the State Senate, was brief in his response when asked if he was running.
"I'm being inundated with texts and emails from people I respect in our community, state, and nationally to consider this. I'm doing that,” Gardner said.
Eli Bremer – Former Olympian/Former U.S. Senate candidate
Bremer, who ran in the U.S. Senate Republican primary in 2022, is considering CD5.
"At this point, I am considering all options and talking with family and my previous supporters to consider the possibility,” Bremer said.
State Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen – (R) Monument
Lundeen, the highest ranking Republican in the state senate, may run for CD5.
"Talking to family and advisors. Serving Coloradans is important to me, as is my family,” Lundeen said.
Stan VanderWerf – El Paso County Commissioner
"My phone has been ringing off the hook all day…I am contemplating running,” VanderWerf said.
Not running for CD5
Dennis Hisey – Former State Senator
Hisey was the first to respond that he is not running.
"Thanks for checking in but no, I won’t be considering a run,” Hisey said.
State Rep. Don Wilson – (R) Monument
“I will not be pursuing CD5,” Wilson said.
Did not respond
The following people did not respond to our question about considering a run for CD5:
John Suthers – Former Colorado Springs mayor/Former Colorado attorney general
State Rep. Rose Pugliese – (R) Colorado Springs
Vickie Tonkins – El Paso County Republican Party Chair
Todd Watkins – El Paso County Republican Party Vice Chair
Carrie Geitner – El Paso County Commissioner
Tim Geitner – Former State Representative
Dan Nordberg – Former State Representative
Darryl Glenn – Former U.S. Senate Candidate
And we checked with the Lauren Boebert campaign. A spokesman confirmed that Boebert will remain in the CD4 race and not switch to CD5.
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