Full Breakdown
Trump Re-Endorses Jeff Hurd, Securing Uncontested Primary in Colorado's 3rd District
3/21/2026, 4:46:03 PM
Core Event: Trump's Strategic Endorsement Shift
On March 20, 2026, President Donald Trump re-endorsed U.S. Representative Jeff Hurd for Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, effectively eliminating a primary challenge from Hope Scheppelman. This decision follows a brief period where Trump had initially supported Scheppelman after Hurd opposed some of his tariff policies. In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that he would offer roles in his administration to Scheppelman and her husband, thereby facilitating Hurd's unimpeded path to the Republican primary scheduled for June 30.
Background & Context: The Political Landscape
Hurd, who won his seat in 2024, faced criticism from Scheppelman, a former Colorado Republican Party official, who labeled him as too liberal and accused him of siding with Democrats. Trump's previous withdrawal of support for Hurd in February was a direct response to Hurd's vote against tariffs on Canada, which Trump had strongly advocated. The political dynamics in Colorado's 3rd District are significant, as Democrats nearly flipped the seat in the 2022 elections, with Adam Frisch losing to Lauren Boebert by fewer than 550 votes.
Official Statements & Responses
In his announcement, Trump emphasized the importance of Hurd's victory, stating, “Together with (Scheppelman and her husband), we decided that Congressman Jeff Hurd... should in no way, shape, or form, be impeded from winning the District in that the Democrat alternative is a DISASTER for our Country.” Hurd expressed gratitude for Trump's support, noting their shared goals of securing borders and supporting working families. Scheppelman, while suspending her campaign, remarked that Hurd now has the opportunity to align more closely with Trump's agenda, warning that she may challenge him again in 2028 if he does not adjust his voting record.
Criticism & Opposition: Dissenting Views
Despite the apparent unity among Republicans, Scheppelman’s comments indicate lingering dissatisfaction with Hurd's past decisions. She criticized him as “anti-MAGA” and suggested that he must correct his voting record to maintain support from the party base. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among some Republican factions about maintaining ideological purity and alignment with Trump's policies.
What's Next: Upcoming Elections
With Scheppelman's withdrawal from the race, Hurd is poised to run unopposed in the Republican primary. The Democratic candidates, Alex Kelloff and Dwayne Romero, will compete for the chance to challenge Hurd in the general election scheduled for November. The outcome of this primary will be crucial as Republicans aim to maintain their slim majority in the House amidst a challenging electoral landscape, where recent polling indicates Democrats leading Republicans on a generic ballot.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Together with (Scheppleman and her husband), we decided that Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, should in no way, shape, or form, be impeded from winning the District in that the Democrat alternative is a DISASTER for our Country,” — Donald Trump, President
- “I’m grateful for President Trump’s support and appreciate his efforts to unify Republicans in Colorado’s Third District,” — Jeff Hurd, U.S. Representative
- “Jeff Hurd now has the opportunity to correct his naive voting record and support President Trump, and our slim Republican majority in the U.S. House, in our shared battle to save the country we love. If he does not, I will run again in 2028 and defeat him in order to give the citizens of Colorado’s 3rd district, and all of America, the representation we deserve.” — Hope Scheppelman, Former Candidate
