Boebert Loses Colorado Seat to Laubacher: Full Results & What's Next
Democrat Eileen Laubacher has defeated Rep. Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 4th District, flipping a seat Donald Trump carried by 18 points in 2024.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / Gage Skidmore
DENVER — Democrat Eileen Laubacher defeated Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 4th Congressional District on Friday, flipping a seat President Donald Trump carried by 18 points in 2024. With about 99 per cent of votes counted, Laubacher led 48.8 per cent to 47.9 per cent, according to Colorado election officials.
The race was called for Laubacher on Friday afternoon, more than a week after the November 3 election, in which Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. She is one of more than 30 incumbent Republican House members voted out.
Key Takeaways
- Laubacher leads Boebert 48.8 per cent to 47.9 per cent with about 99 per cent counted — a margin of roughly 3,200 votes.
- The 4th District backed Trump by 18 points in 2024 and had not elected a Democrat since 2008.
- Laubacher outraised Boebert $13.7 million to $1.2 million.
- Democrats will hold at least 256 House seats and at least 55 Senate seats in the next Congress.
Colorado 4th District Results: Laubacher vs Boebert Vote Totals
The latest unofficial count put Laubacher ahead by 3,237 votes, about nine-tenths of a percentage point. Libertarian Douglas Mangeris took 3.3 per cent.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eileen Laubacher | Democrat | 185,923 | 48.8% |
| Lauren Boebert | Republican | 182,686 | 47.9% |
| Douglas Mangeris | Libertarian | 12,605 | 3.3% |
Under Colorado law, an automatic recount is required only when the gap is no more than 0.5 per cent of the winner's vote total — about 930 votes here. Laubacher's margin is well outside that range. Boebert's campaign had raised claims of voting irregularities without evidence. Counties have until November 25 to certify the results.
Who Is Eileen Laubacher? Navy Admiral, Biden Aide and Fundraising Edge
Laubacher, 57, is a retired two-star Navy rear admiral who served 34 years in the Navy, from 1990 to 2024. She later served on former President Joe Biden's National Security Council and was backed by the political action committee linked to the Blue Dog Coalition of moderate and conservative House Democrats. She declared victory on November 9.
Why Boebert Lost a Safe Republican Seat — and What It Means for the House
Boebert, 39, was first elected in 2020 from Colorado's 3rd District, where she survived her first re-election campaign by 546 votes. In 2024 she moved to the 4th District and won by more than 11 points. She ran uncontested in this year's Republican primary.
Her tenure was marked by clashes inside her own party. Trump called Boebert "dumb" earlier this year for campaigning with outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie, who led the effort to force the release of files related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Returning to the Capitol this week, Boebert said: "We collectively failed."
The result pads a Democratic House majority that was already settled, with leadership contests already under way in the new Congress. Democrats hold at least 256 seats in the incoming House, 38 above the 218 needed for a majority, and at least 55 in the Senate. Trump, who is due to hold trilateral talks with the leaders of China and Russia next week, will face a Democratic Congress for the final two years of his presidency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the results in Colorado's 4th District in the 2026 election?
Democrat Eileen Laubacher beat Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert 48.8 per cent to 47.9 per cent, with about 99 per cent counted. Her margin was roughly 3,200 votes; Libertarian Douglas Mangeris took 3.3 per cent.
Who is Eileen Laubacher?
Laubacher is a 57-year-old retired two-star Navy rear admiral who served 34 years in the Navy, from 1990 to 2024, and later served on former President Joe Biden's National Security Council.
Will there be a recount in the Boebert vs Laubacher race?
No automatic recount is required. Colorado law orders one only when the gap is within 0.5 per cent of the winner's vote total, about 930 votes in this race, and Laubacher's margin of about 3,200 votes is well outside that range.
How many seats will Democrats control in the next House and Senate?
Democrats will control at least 256 seats in the House, 38 more than the 218 needed for a majority, and at least 55 seats in the Senate for the final two years of Trump's presidency.
Colorado counties have until November 25 to certify their results. Laubacher will take her seat when the new Congress convenes on January 3, 2027.
