Funding Gap Shapes Colorado’s 3rd District Congressional Race

Incumbent Republican Representative Jeff Hurd is seeking a second term in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, while Democratic challenger Dwayne Romero, a former U.S. Army Ranger and Aspen-area real-estate manager, is contesting the seat. Both campaigns filed financial reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that reveal a pronounced disparity in fundraising and spending as of the end of September.

Aspen Times

Jeff Hurd, a Grand Junction attorney turned congressman, has served one term and is running again as the district’s Republican standard-bearer. Dwayne Romero, 30, owns Romero Realty, has served multiple terms on the Aspen City Council and the Aspen School District Board of Education, and brings a military background to his campaign.

Aspen Times

• Hurd’s campaign has raised roughly $4 million and spent about $3.1 million.

Aspen Times

• Romero’s campaign has raised about $1.5 million, including nearly $500,000 in loans, and spent roughly $1.25 million.

Aspen Times

• Individual contributions account for the bulk of both coffers: Hurd received about $2.1 million (? 53 % of total funds) from ? 1,475 itemized donors, with 59 % of those donors listing Colorado addresses. Romero’s campaign recorded 540 individual donations, about 50 % from Colorado residents, and secured roughly $1 million (? 70 % of total) from individuals.

Aspen Times

• Romero’s campaign obtained about $211,00 through ActBlue, a nonprofit digital-fundraising platform.

Aspen Times

• Hurd’s campaign also drew ? $1.8 million from political action committees and other groups, most linked to national conservative organizations. Notable individual donors to Hurd include Peter and Marilyn Coors and billionaire Philip Anschutz, each contributing the maximum $7,000 allowed, as well as contributions from more than a dozen Native American tribes.

Aspen Times

The fundraising gap—Hurd’s total receipts exceeding Romero’s by roughly $2.5 million—could translate into a larger advertising reach and more extensive ground operations for the incumbent. Romero’s reliance on a smaller pool of individual donors and a modest ActBlue contribution suggests a grassroots orientation but may limit his ability to match Hurd’s spending intensity. Observers note that the disparity may shape voter outreach strategies as the race moves toward the November ballot.

Aspen Times