Hurd, Romero Face Off in Colorado's Third District
Republican incumbent Jeff Hurd and Democratic challenger Dwayne Romero are competing in a Colorado congressional race that Democrats have invested in after internal polling showed a close contest.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you think Jeff Hurd deserves a second term in Congress?
Republican Jeff Hurd, seeking a second term, faces Democrat Dwayne Romero in Colorado's Third Congressional District. Internal Democratic polling showed Romero with a 1-point lead, prompting Democrats to direct money into the race.
Why it matters
No Democrat has represented the district since John Salazar left office in January 2011, so a competitive contest there would mark a notable shift. Both candidates are navigating national issues, including tariffs, Trump's endorsement, and the cost of diesel.
The race pits incumbent Republican Jeff Hurd against Democrat Dwayne Romero in a contest where internal Democratic polling showed Romero ahead by one point. The outcome will be decided on election night, November 3, 2026, and independent polling has not been reported.
The players
Jeff Hurd
Jeff Hurd is the Republican incumbent in Colorado's Third Congressional District, seeking a second term in office.
Dwayne Romero
Dwayne Romero is the Democratic candidate challenging Hurd in Colorado's Third Congressional District.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States, who pulled and later restored his endorsement of Hurd.
The details
Romero has criticized Hurd's support for the Big Beautiful Bill and the cost of diesel tied to the war in Iran. Hurd has broken with President Trump on tariff policy, and Trump pulled his endorsement of Hurd at one point before restoring it.
Timeline
January 2011: John Salazar left office, ending recent Democratic representation of the district.
November 3, 2026: Election night for the Hurd-Romero race.
Political Context
No Democrat has represented Colorado's Third Congressional District since John Salazar left office in January 2011, making the current contest a test of that long Republican hold. Hurd's break with Trump on tariffs and the earlier pulled endorsement add a layer of intraparty tension to the race.
The outcome of this race will determine who represents Colorado's Third Congressional District in Washington. Voters in the district will decide between the two candidates on November 3, 2026.
The takeaway
A close race in a district without a Democratic representative since 2011 shows how internal polling and national endorsements can shape local contests. Voters weighing the candidates may want to compare their positions on tariffs, federal legislation, and energy costs.
Further reading
For more on the state's contests, see Elections coverage.
Live Poll
Do you think Jeff Hurd deserves a second term in Congress?
