Rep. Jeff Hurd regained Donald Trump’s endorsement for reelection in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District weeks after losing it over a tariff dispute. The reversal followed aggressive coordination by House GOP leadership and allies in Washington.
Hurd had voted to cancel Trump’s tariffs on Canada, prompting the president to withdraw his backing on February 21 and endorse challenger Hope Scheppelman instead. Trump labeled Hurd a RINO and accused him of siding with foreign interests.
Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and NRCC Chair Richard Hudson, feared a primary battle would weaken the party in a competitive district. They orchestrated a behind-the-scenes campaign, mobilizing dozens of contacts within Trump’s inner circle to highlight Hurd’s electability and loyalty to the broader agenda.
The effort culminated in a direct call between Trump and Hurd. On March 20, Trump announced he was fully supporting Hurd’s re-election, claiming the Democrat alternative was a "DISASTER for our Country." He added that Scheppelman would join his administration in an unspecified role.
House GOP leaders held a high-profile fundraiser for Hurd just before the re-endorsement, underscoring the seat’s strategic importance. Colorado’s 3rd District, vast and media-sparse, would have required millions in ad spending to make Scheppelman viable-a risky investment with uncertain returns.
Hurd defeated Democrat Adam Frisch in 2024 after succeeding Lauren Boebert, who moved to a safer GOP seat. With Democratic pickup efforts intensifying in 2026, preserving unity in key districts like this one has become central to GOP majority strategy.