Full Breakdown
Jeff Hurd Wins GOP Primary in Colorado’s 3rd District; Democrat Dwayne Romero Secures Nomination
7/1/2026, 10:55:00 PM
Primary Results
Incumbent Rep. Jeff Hurd defeated former state Rep. Ron Hanks in the Republican primary, earning 66%–68.6% of the vote versus Hanks’s 31.4%–33%, a margin of roughly 33–37 points. In the Democratic contest, Army veteran Dwayne Romero beat businessman Alex Kelloff with about 55% to 45%.
Background & Context
Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, a Republican stronghold since at least 2013, covers western and southern Colorado. Incumbent Rep. Jeff Hurd faced Ron Hanks, who called him a “fake conservative.” Hope Scheppelman withdrew after Trump asked her to step aside, and Trump re-endorsed Hurd. Democrat Dwayne Romero, an Army Ranger, defeated Alex Kelloff. The Colorado Democratic Party is building a campaign that touches every district this fall.
Data Snapshot
Vote shares: Hurd 66%–68.6% vs. Hanks 31.4%–33%; Romero 55% vs. Kelloff 45%. Hurd raised $3.2 M and spent $1.6 M; Romero raised $338 k and spent $317 k; Kelloff raised $661 k and spent $996 k.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump announced his full endorsement of Hurd on Truth Social after briefly withdrawing it. Hurd said his campaign is about fighting for Colorado, not aligning with Washington. Romero pledged to lower grocery, pharmacy and housing costs and undo the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Hanks accused Hurd of being insufficiently conservative. The Colorado Democratic Party said it is building a campaign that touches every district this fall.
Criticism & Opposition
Hanks criticized Hurd for voting against the Canada tariff proposal and supporting health-care subsidies, while Romero’s campaign attacked Hurd’s Medicaid and SNAP cuts as raising living costs. He has not held town-hall meetings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Hurd’s exact primary share (66% vs. 68.6%) and on the district’s last Democratic win (2008 vs. 2013). Turnout figures for both primaries were not disclosed.
Why It Matters
The race pits a Trump-endorsed incumbent with a mixed record against a Democrat promising to reverse tax cuts. A Democratic flip would end a decade-long GOP streak in a district covering Pueblo and western-slope areas, a bellwether for 2026.
What’s Next
Both candidates will campaign this summer, with fall fundraising. Hurd will tout his work on natural resources and infrastructure; Romero will focus on undoing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The November election will decide the district’s partisan future.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I will be fully supporting Jeff’s Re-Election to the House of Representatives, giving him my Complete and Total Endorsement!" — Donald Trump, former President (Truth Social post)
- "We deserve a fighter in Congress who actually knows what it’s like to struggle with the cost of living or to worry about keeping a business afloat." — Dwayne Romero, Democratic candidate
- "Hurd is a fake conservative." — Ron Hanks, Republican primary challenger
- "building a campaign that touches every district this fall." — Colorado Democratic Party, press release
