Dem Drops Out of Race to Unseat Rep. Boebert

Trisha Calvarese suspends campaign, endorses Eileen Laubacher as Democratic challenger in Colorado's 4th Congressional District

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:04am

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Democratic candidate Trisha Calvarese announced she is suspending her campaign to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Calvarese endorsed Eileen Laubacher as the leading Democratic challenger, who is likely to face Boebert in the November election.

Why it matters

The 4th District is considered a safe Republican seat, so the Democratic primary will be crucial in determining Boebert's challenger. Calvarese's withdrawal and endorsement of Laubacher could help unify the party behind a single candidate to take on the incumbent.

The details

Calvarese said she will continue to fight for the 'American middle class and the dignity of human work,' but believes Laubacher is best positioned to defeat Boebert. Laubacher, a retired Navy rear admiral and former National Security Council official, has established a fundraising advantage over her rivals. However, Calvarese had previously sued the Colorado Democratic Party, claiming Laubacher was ineligible to participate in the party's caucus and assembly process.

  • Calvarese announced her campaign suspension on April 2, 2026.
  • The Democratic assembly for the 4th District is scheduled for April 6, 2026.

The players

Trisha Calvarese

A Democratic candidate who previously challenged Rep. Lauren Boebert in Colorado's 4th Congressional District.

Eileen Laubacher

The leading Democratic challenger in the race to unseat Rep. Lauren Boebert. Laubacher is a retired Navy rear admiral and former National Security Council official.

Lauren Boebert

The incumbent Republican U.S. Representative for Colorado's 4th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“We showed the progress a grassroots Democrat can make without compromising fundamental values. I will continue to fight for the American middle class and the dignity of human work. The status quo cannot hold. But the future will be shaped by those who step forward to meet it and I will continue to do that work.”

— Trisha Calvarese, Democratic Candidate

“Over multiple cycles, she has helped elevate the visibility of this race and engage people across the district in meaningful ways, and her willingness to step forward in this race takes real courage. It's time to turn the corner and focus fully on what comes next and what matters most: defeating Lauren Boebert in November.”

— Eileen Laubacher, Democratic Challenger

What’s next

The Democratic assembly for the 4th District is scheduled for April 6, 2026, where Laubacher is expected to be unopposed as the party's nominee to face Boebert in the November election.

The takeaway

Calvarese's withdrawal from the race and endorsement of Laubacher represents an effort to unify the Democratic party behind a single challenger to take on the incumbent Boebert in this Republican-leaning district. The primary will be crucial in determining Boebert's opponent, as the 4th District is considered a safe GOP seat.