Six candidates vying for the Republican nomination in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District participated in a debate hosted by CBS Colorado. Rep. Lauren Boebert, who announced she would be changing districts, was among the candidates. The candidates mostly agreed on issues such as former President Donald Trump, immigration, climate change, and federal spending, but differed on foreign policy, with Boebert opposing U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The other candidates included Deborah Flora, state Rep. Richard Holtorf, state Rep. Michael Lynch, former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, and Peter Yu.
During the debate, the candidates discussed various issues, with each candidate responding to different questions. Boebert highlighted her experience in Congress and endorsement from Trump, while Holtorf emphasized his military background and conservative values. Lynch focused on immigration and fentanyl issues, while Flora criticized Boebert for missing key votes and not delivering real solutions. Sonnenberg highlighted his leadership skills and experience in the state legislature, and Yu emphasized restoring trust in Congress.
The candidates were split on foreign policy issues, with Boebert being the only candidate to not support deploying troops to defend Taiwan or providing aid to Ukraine without accountability. However, all candidates supported aid for Israel. The candidates also discussed immigration, climate change, and federal spending, with minimal disagreement among them. Boebert called for mass deportations and building a wall, while Sonnenberg and Yu supported streamlining the process for legal immigration.
The candidates downplayed the significance of climate change and human activity’s contribution to it, with Boebert stating that climate change occurs four times a year. Boebert has raised significantly more funds than the other candidates, with Flora being the second-highest fundraiser. The primary election in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District is scheduled for June 25, with ballots being sent out to voters in the mail soon. Overall, the candidates discussed a range of issues during the debate, showcasing their differing views and priorities for the district.
