In the highly contested Republican primary for Colorado's third congressional district, hardline MAGA candidate Ron Hanks expressed his disappointment as he conceded defeat to attorney Jeff Hurd. Hanks, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, voiced his concerns about the state of the Republican Party and his uncertainty about his own political future.

Hanks, who proudly displayed his support for Trump during his campaign and frequently mentioned his attendance at the January 6th events, came in second place behind Hurd, a political newcomer and father of five. The primary aimed to determine the replacement for incumbent Representative Lauren Boebert, who won her own campaign in a different district despite facing controversies throughout her tenure.

Hanks had criticized Hurd as an "empty suit" supported by the "establishment" of the Colorado Republican Party. This division highlights the broader schism between moderate Republicans and the grassroots MAGA movement, which has implications for the GOP nationwide.

Expressing his frustration with the current state of the Republican Party, Hanks told The Independent, "This party should fall. This party should collapse." He further criticized the party for being infiltrated by individuals with "impure motives," making it difficult to trust fellow Republicans.

As the primary results came in, Hanks gathered with his supporters at Kannah Creek Brewing Company in Grand Junction. They closely monitored the election returns while sharing a meal and expressing their distrust of the voting process, the government, and even their own party members. Despite the somber mood and Hanks' loss becoming apparent, the combat veteran maintained his calm demeanor and military-like outlook on the campaign.

While Hurd ran a more restrained campaign, outside groups from both the Democrat and Republican sides launched ads targeting Hanks. Reflecting on the broader implications of the primary, Hanks highlighted the victories of other grassroots candidates in the state GOP race but acknowledged his disappointment in Representative Boebert's success, calling her "the least deserving of any of the pro-MAGA candidates."

Hanks raised concerns about Boebert's behavior and predicted that the "Deep State" would exploit her actions. These remarks, coupled with his uncertainty about his own future in politics, indicated a potential disconnection from the Republican Party and a desire to support Trump's agenda.

In his closing remarks to his supporters, Hanks thanked them for their dedication and acknowledged that this was not about his ego but a mission. He expressed gratitude for their efforts and mentioned his intentions to study the election results in detail. Hanks also emphasized the importance of remembering the goodness of the American people and the need to regain control of the government.

As the Republican Party in Colorado's third congressional district moves forward with Hurd as the nominee, the fallout from the primary highlights the ongoing divisions within the GOP. The party's struggles to reconcile its moderate and MAGA factions may have long-term implications for its ability to regain power and implement its agenda.