In a bid to secure a more conservative district, Rep. Lauren Boebert is facing a primary challenge in Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Boebert, who narrowly won reelection in Colorado's 3rd District in 2022, decided to run in a district that is more favorable to Republicans after former Rep. Ken Buck chose not to seek reelection.

Boebert is one of six Republicans competing for their party's nomination in Tuesday's primary, which has garnered significant attention. The profile of the race has been raised as Boebert looks to capitalize on the district's Republican-leaning nature. Notably, the majority of the 4th District is comprised of the Eastern Plains, where voters overwhelmingly supported former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election, and Ken Buck comfortably won reelection in 2022 with over 60% of the vote.

While Boebert aligns with the House Freedom Caucus, she differs from Buck in terms of style and approach. Buck cited dysfunction in Congress and increasing political polarization as reasons for his early resignation, whereas Boebert has at times embraced the chaos and stirred controversy.

This primary marks Boebert's first election since a series of personal embarrassments affected her national profile. One such incident involved being escorted out of a theatrical performance in Denver for disruptive behavior. Boebert issued an apology, attributing her behavior to her "public and difficult divorce."

Boebert's opponents have criticized her for "carpetbagging," pointing out that she lived hundreds of miles away from some of the constituents she would represent if elected. However, Boebert argues that her experience in Congress sets her apart from her opponents. Ultimately, voters will have to decide whether they prioritize Boebert's national profile and record or prefer a candidate with deep local ties to the district.

Despite the challenges Boebert has faced, she received an endorsement from former President Trump in March, who described her as a "Proven Conservative" and a "trusted America First Fighter." Trump cited Boebert's stance on issues such as the push to impeach President Biden and immigration as reasons for his endorsement.

It is expected that the 4th Congressional District will remain in Republican control come November, regardless of the primary's outcome. The district encompasses the majority of rural eastern Colorado, along with the southern part of the Denver metro area. The district has largely been under GOP control since 1973, with the last Democrat representative serving from 2009 to 2011.

Adding complexity to the primary, voters will not only be casting their vote for Buck's successor in the district but also for a candidate to fill the remainder of Buck's term due to his early departure. Boebert chose not to run for the remainder of Buck's term, believing it would jeopardize the already slim Republican majority in the House. She expressed concerns that holding a special election simultaneous with the primary was an attempt by the GOP establishment to undermine her chances and confuse voters.

Boebert's chances at securing the full term were bolstered by the selection of Republican Greg Lopez to contest a Democrat in the special election, as Lopez has chosen not to run for a new term. Meanwhile, Boebert's decision to switch districts has opened up a contest for her former seat in the 3rd District, drawing multiple Republican candidates vying for the nomination.

Democrats see an opportunity in the 3rd District to defeat what they perceive as an extreme candidate and have rallied around Adam Frisch, who narrowly lost to Boebert in 2022. They believe that running against the most extreme Republican candidate will increase their odds of winning the competitive seat in November.

The outcome of the primary and subsequent elections will determine whether Boebert's district-switching gamble pays off, as she seeks to continue her tenure in Congress with a new base of support.