Republican U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert and her Democratic opponent Trisha Calvarese are scheduled to debate on economic and business issues on September 3 in Roxborough Park.
This debate will be the only scheduled confrontation between the leading candidates competing for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, which encompasses Douglas County, parts of Larimer and Weld Counties, and the Eastern Plains.
Both Boebert and Calvarese emerged from crowded primaries for the seat once held by Republican U.S. Representative Ken Buck, who stepped down in March. Republican Greg Lopez won a June special election against Calvarese to finish Buck’s term.
The debate is sponsored by The Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, Colorado Politics, and the Denver Gazette, with political reporter Ernest Luning serving as the moderator. It will take place during the organization’s regular luncheon meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Club at Ravenna, located at 8285 Dante Drive, south of Chatfield Reservoir.
Tickets for the event are priced at $35, which includes lunch, and must be reserved online by August 21.
Boebert, who has been elected twice in the Western Slope’s third Congressional District, moved earlier this year to Windsor in Weld County, situated in the more Republican-leaning 4th District, after Buck announced he would not seek reelection.
Calvarese, a former speechwriter for the AFL-CIO and the National Science Foundation, returned to Colorado last year from the East Coast to care for her sick parents, both of whom passed away in the fall.
National election forecasters consider this district a safe seat for Boebert; however, Calvarese believes she can overcome the odds, pointing to internal polling and a significant fundraising boost she received in July following her primary victory.
A spokesperson for Boebert’s campaign expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming debate.
“Congresswoman Boebert looks forward to discussing her proven track record as a strong advocate for small businesses, from successfully getting her Pueblo Jobs Act signed into law to securing millions for water and infrastructure initiatives in Colorado,” stated Drew Sexton, her campaign manager.
“We appreciate the Douglas County EDC and Colorado Politics for creating a platform where Congresswoman Boebert can share her vision for the business community in the 4th District and all of Colorado,” he added.
Calvarese commented that the upcoming debate will provide voters with a clear choice between the nominees.
“Hard-working families and small businesses in Colorado are struggling to manage rising costs for food and care. Everywhere I go, people talk about their housing difficulties. Every workforce generation is worried about job security,” Calvarese stated.
“We need a representative who will listen and then head to Washington with faith in the capacity of ordinary people to tackle these challenges. Together, we can create opportunities, ensure economic security for our families, create a level playing field for our small businesses, and keep America competitive.”
Calvarese emphasized her hope that voters in the district will prioritize values over partisan affiliations, advocating for “Main Street over the extreme.”
“If people want someone who embodies our district’s values and will work hard for us rather than for personal media attention, that’s what I offer,” she said. “The debate stage will clearly highlight our differences.”
Ballots will be mailed to Colorado voters starting October 11 and must be returned to county clerks by November 5.