FORT LUPTON — Lauren Boebert landed in fifth place in a straw poll conducted at a 4th Congressional District debate this week, a decidedly middle-of-the-pack showing among the nine Republican candidates who showed up for the event.
While the survey of just over 100 Republicans on Thursday at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center is a tiny sliver of the party’s nearly 190,000 registered voters who live in the eastern Colorado district, it did provide an initial peek into the kind of ground game the 37-year-old congresswoman will have to stand up to secure the nomination in a part of the state that doesn’t know her well.
Boebert made headlines last month, and rankled many fellow Republicans, when she announced that she would abandon her largely Western Slope 3rd District seat to run for Congress in the 4th. She was facing a tough battle against a rejuvenated Democratic foe who had nearly beaten her in the last election and was far outraising her in the money game. She also faced a significant challenge from members of her own party in next June’s primary.
Thursday night’s straw poll was the first tangible indication that the welcome mat across the 21 mostly rural counties that make up the district won’t roll out easily for the GOP firebrand.
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Boebert admitted as much at the debate, telling the audience that her presence in the race — with her comparatively flush campaign war chest and unrivaled name recognition — in no way added up to a “coronation.”
“I’m here to earn your support, earn your vote,” she said.
Boebert garnered 12 votes in the straw poll, trailing state Rep. Richard Holtorf (17), conservative radio host Deborah Flora (18) and state Rep. Mike Lynch (20). Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg, a former state lawmaker, got the most at 22.
The 4th District gathering was one of two debates hosted by the Republican Women of Weld at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center. The other featured three GOP candidates vying to represent Colorado’s newly formed 8th Congressional District.
Democratic political strategist Andy Boian said Boebert is “an opportunistic wannabe” whose attempt to obtain a new congressional seat is already “finished.”
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Nine candidates took part in a debate for GOP candidates running in the 4th Congressional District at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center in Fort Lupton on Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
“What last night proved was that Colorado voters are smart, and regardless of party, they take exception to those who wreak havoc and nonsense,” Boian said Friday. “My feeling about CD4 is it is so wrapped in conservative values and ideology, the only option is the most viable Republican to win, and that’s Sonnenberg.”
Sandra Hagen Solin, a GOP political strategist, agreed that Boebert’s district switch will do her no favors with voters who like and respect “those whom they know and have served in various capacities in the district.”
“She will need to overcome that hurdle with the broader primary voter base but she still benefits from her high name recognition and 10 candidates that will split the vote in a plurality-wins race,” she said.
Latino faceoff in November?
Because of the 4th Congressional District’s overwhelmingly Republican-friendly electorate, whoever wins the June GOP primary will more than likely go on to victory in November. But in the 8th District, a swath of suburbs and farmland stretching from Commerce City to Greeley, the outcome is far less certain.
Three Republican contenders — Weld County Commissioner Scott James, state Rep. Gabe Evans and Air Force vet Joe Andujo — sat for their own debate earlier in the evening Thursday. The 8th Congressional District, formed in 2021 and represented by Democrat Yadira Caraveo for just over a year, is nearly evenly split between Democrats, Republicans and independents.
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Caraveo, a Thornton pediatrician and former state lawmaker, won the seat in 2022 by fewer than 2,000 votes out of more than 200,000 cast over Republican state Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer — a victory many election watchers attributed to the presence of a Libertarian candidate in the race.
The men struck a singularly conservative tone on issues ranging from medical treatments for transgender youth to abortion to immigration to impeachment of President Biden.
Joe Andujo, left, Scott James, center, and Gabe Evan, all running to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, take part in a debate for GOP candidates at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center in Fort Lupton on Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
“Do I support a law that would stop children from altering their bodies? Yes,” James said of surgeries and other medical interventions that some transgender minors have undergone.
On the topic of impeachment, Evans said an investigation into the “Biden crime family” is warranted.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” he said.
None of the candidates favored a federal abortion ban, despite Colorado’s Democrat-dominated legislature passing one of the most robust abortion access bills in the country in 2022. All three described themselves as strongly pro-life but said the decision about what restrictions to place on the procedure should be made at the local level.
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“That’s where it should have been all along,” Andujo said of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision removing Constitutional protections for abortion and returning the issue to the states.
That’s in marked contrast to Caraveo’s outspoken support for abortion rights.
The 8th district candidates all called for the country’s southern border to be closed, following a record surge of migrants crossing into the United States — thousands of whom have arrived in Denver in recent months, costing the city upward of $35 million so far.
“No. 1, we must secure the border — yesterday,” said James, who noted the impact of deadly fentanyl trafficked into the country. “One illegal crossing is one too many.”
Two of the GOP contenders — Andujo and Evans — are Latino, a factor that could prove decisive in a district that is 40% Latino. Caraveo’s victory in 2022 was attributed by some to Hispanics identifying with her and rallying around her, making her Colorado’s first Latina in Congress.
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Evans easily won the straw poll Thursday, garnering 69 votes to James’ 33 and Andujo’s 13.
Boian, the Democratic strategist, said this time around Caraveo is “running on a record, experience and intellect” as opposed to when she was making her national debut two years ago.
“The fact she’s a Latina only benefits her,” he said. “While the end of the first term is the best time to try and unseat an incumbent, I don’t see it happening here.”
Rep. Lauren Boebert participates in a debate for GOP candidates running in the 4th Congressional District at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center in Fort Lupton on Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Carpetbagger claims
In the 4th Congressional District debate, immigration was also a major topic among the nine Republican candidates vying to win the seat. Businessman Peter Yu, who has unsuccessfully run for Congress and the U.S. Senate in Colorado, said his parents “escaped” China in the late 1960s.
“I owe it to this country that I pay this back,” he said. “It is time to put Americans first.”
Former state lawmaker Ted Harvey took one of the more rigid stances against illegal immigration, saying he would support deporting anyone who had entered the country without authorization in the last two years.
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“We need to be honest with them and tell them they can’t come here illegally,” he said.
A moment of levity came when the candidates were asked if they had ever been arrested. Six of nine hands went up. Notably, Lynch this week lost his minority leader role in the Colorado House after his 2022 arrest for DUI came to light recently.
Holtorf told the audience he has been arrested twice for fighting — “because someone needed a little attitude adjustment.”
Six of the nine candidates taking part in a debate for GOP candidates running in the 4th Congressional District raised their hands to say they’ve been arrested during the debate at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center in Fort Lupton on Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
And of course, Boebert was challenged for her district switch at the end of December. Lynch asked her to define the term “carpetbagger,” a query that drew muted gasps from the audience.
Flora asked Boebert how she could make such a move after she had criticized former Democratic state lawmaker Kerry Donovan for announcing a congressional run in the 3rd District when Donovan didn’t live there.
“Running for office is a calling, not a career move,” Boebert said in 2021. “Perhaps Ms. Donovan should focus on where she lives, works and votes instead of trying to increase her political position by pandering to folks she doesn’t even know.”
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Boebert countered that Donovan never intended to move into the 3rd District but that she had already established residency in the 4th. Boebert’s new home is in Windsor.
“The crops may be different in Colorado’s 4th District, but the values aren’t,” she said.
Hagen Solin, the Republican strategist, said Boebert’s conservative bona fides may be just enough to land her on top in June.
“You will see the vast majority of primary voters voting for someone other than Congresswoman Boebert,” she said. “Boebert, however, is well positioned to win the plurality vote given her name recognition that extends across the 4th, unlike that of any of the other candidates.”
Boulder police are responding to a reported attack in the heart of downtown Boulder at 13th and Pearl streets, with initial reports indicating multiple victims.
Authorities issued an alert on social media shortly after 2 p.m., urging the public to avoid the area while emergency personnel respond to the incident.
We are responding to a report of an attack at 13th and Pearl streets with reports of several victims. PLEASE AVOID THE AREA! We will put out more information soon
— Boulder Police Dept. (@boulderpolice) June 1, 2025
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Initial eyewitness reports told the Denver Gazette that just before 2 p.m., an altercation occurred between pro-Israel protestors and a “man dressed as a gardener”, who was witnessed throwing homemade Molotov cocktails into the crowd.
Jen Livovich told the Denver Gazette that she was eating lunch nearby when she heard ambulances heading towards the scene. She said she witnessed at least one person being carried away on a stretcher.
Additional details surrounding the nature of the attack, the number of victims, or whether a suspect is in custody remain unclear. Witnesses have described a heavy police presence and multiple ambulances in the area.
Carol McKinley contributed to this report.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details are available.
It was impossible to miss as royal blue caps and baseball gloves soared into the air on a cloudless Saturday, celebrating Cherry Creek’s 10th state baseball title.
On the All-Star Park field after an 8-1 victory over Regis Jesuit, teammates screamed and hugged as parents, overcome with emotion, wiped away tears. There is nothing like finishing a season as a champion.
For Wyatt and Walker Rudden, it represented their last time on a high school diamond together. Wyatt, the senior ace on his way to Michigan, and Walker, the gritty junior second baseman who refused to give up on his dream of starting, paused when trying to wrap their heads around the scene unfolding around them.
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“His last pitch was a groundball to me,” Walker said, shaking his head. “Can you believe that?”
“He battled all year to get out there,” added Wyatt. “This was really special.”
Joy comes in many forms.
On the mound, Wyatt operates more like a middle linebacker than a pitcher. His fastball reaches 88 miles per hour, and he throws inside without fear, a trait “that really separates him and leads to his success,” explained Bruins pitching coach Dave Veres.
Wyatt reacted to three inning-ending strikeouts by flexing like Hulk Hogan before his finishing move.
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“There might be a sip of an energy drink involved,” said Walker, who allowed one run on three hits, while navigating six walks with eight Ks over five innings. “What can I say? I love to compete. And the stakes were high.”
Joy comes in many forms.
Behind home plate, mother Megan stood watching, cheering, hiding her anxiety with polite conversation and a nervous smile. Husband Nick planted down the left field line, watching as a proud father and former Cherry Creek feeder team coach who worked with many of the kids on the roster.
“It means so much not because of the outcome but everything that goes into it,” Nick said. “We are blessed.”
The Rudden family is a Cherry Creek family. Nick and his three brothers played for legendary coach Marc Johnson. Nick won back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999 as part of the school’s five-year run of dominance.
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He carved out a role as a utility player at Michigan before returning home. That is when reality clobbered him over the head. His sister Tammy Rudden Krause’s 5-year-old daughter Gabby was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2003. She passed away after a 19-month battle.
Joy, even when facing unimaginable pain and loss, comes in many forms.
Tammy created the Bags of Fun Foundation in Gabby’s honor. Over 15,000 backpacks with toys and games have been given to children fighting critical, long-term and life-threatening conditions in Denver, Kansas City and Omaha.
“Gabby was so brave, such a strong spirit,” said Dananne Solomon, the foundation’s director in Colorado. “She turned her own fight into a movement of laughter.”
Gabby Krause died of brain cancer, inspiring her mother, Tammy Krause, to create the Bags of Fun, a foundation that aims to provide every child fighting a critical, long-term and life-threatening condition a bag of fun. Gabby’s cousins, Wyatt and Walker Rudden, key members of Cherry Creek’s state championship win Saturday, volunteer and “do anything we can to honor her legacy,” Walker said. (Photo courtesy of Bags of Fun Foundation)
The program relies on fundraising — Cherry Creek High School plays an important role during their spring power week — and volunteers. Wyatt and Walker never met Gabby, but became immersed in her memory as they helped out in any way they could.
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“They are always available for work at the warehouse,” said Tammy, who has been attending Cherry Creek games for decades, watching her brothers and nephews. “They go to work and do the not-so-fun stuff behind the scenes.”
The way Nick sees it, he would not have a family if not for Gabby. Megan worked as Gabby’s nanny after college. That is how she met Nick.
“My wife and our children, none of it exists without the cause. It is hard to articulate who Gabby was, her resilience,” Nick said. “I can’t do justice on what she has meant to us.”
It was around middle school when Wyatt and Walker began to realize how special Gabby was. It was natural for them to volunteer. But it went beyond that. At Cherry Creek, they recruited teammates and classmates. They saw firsthand how awful cancer is, and how customized bags of toys can allow kids to be kids again, even if only for a few hours.
“It just changes their lives. It’s horrible to have to deal with cancer,” Walker said. “This gives them some control in a situation where they often feel like they don’t have any.”
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Wyatt has also viewed Gabby as someone who put others before herself. Not long ago, he listened to a classmate recall his experience with cancer. It brought everything full circle.
“He got a Bag of Fun. And just to hear his story was amazing. He had a really tough time and that really helped him through his process,” Wyatt said. “It was a reminder of just how meaningful the work and the (foundation) are.”
Joy comes in many forms.
Holding a trophy, surrounded by friends you have played with for years, creates goosebumps. These teammates will walk together forever.
But there was something deeper than sports at work on this sun-bleached afternoon. When the cheering stopped, and the long walk began to the parking lot, there was humility learned from small victories that are a lot bigger than a baseball game.
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“My sister has taken the memory of Gabby and created a legacy. I can’t tell you how proud I am of her, of what she’s done,” Nick said. “She has inspired our family, Wyatt, Walker, Annabelle and Hudson. She has inspired the Cherry Creek baseball community to help, to never take anything for granted. Today is a day when Gabby’s memory lives on.”
The Rudden family, from left, father Nick, kids Wyatt, Hudson, Annabelle and Walker, and mother Megan stand for a photo after Cherry Creek won their 10th state title at All-Star Park in Lakewood, Colorado, on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The win that had deeper meaning because of the family’s connection to the Bags of Fun Foundation. (Photo by Troy Renck/The Denver Post)
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A giant rhino statue has been spotted at 29th Street and Arkins Court, signaling new activity at Denargo Market, a 17-acre mixed-use development in Denver’s RiNo Art District.
Standing 30 feet tall and weighing 22,000 pounds, the Denargo Rhino is the first piece of public art to arrive on the site.
“Before full buildout of the entire 17-acre site, we want people to feel like Denargo Market is a destination worth visiting,” said Sean Campbell, CEO of FORMATIV.
“The rhino is our first big step in prioritizing public elements for Denverites to interact with. Whether you’re climbing its sides, snapping a photo, or exploring our new parks and river activation, the rhino will welcome you to Denargo Market as a landmark that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
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The 30’ tall rhino installation site at Denargo Market development in Denver on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Spread across 17 acres of prime South Platte riverfront, just north of Downtown Denver, Denargo Market is a new, multi-phased urban development that will offer an elevated blend of residential, retail, office and hospitality at Denver Health. (Photo by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Constructed from weatherized steel, the rhino features all-weather climbable panels, custom paint, lighting and surrounding elements like birdhouses.
The climbable statue, which won’t actually be climbable until later this summer, was envisioned by Denargo’s landscape architect Sasaki, in collaboration with developers Golub & Co. and FORMATIV.
It was brought to life by area fabricators JunoWorks and Eldorado Climbing Walls, with engineering support by Craft Engineering Studio.
While impressive, the Denargo Rhino is really just a baby compared to “Blucifer,” the 32-foot-tall blue mustang sporting red glowing eyes near Denver International Airport, and the 40-foot blue bear sculpture that peers into the convention center.
Online Reddit users have already welcomed the Rhino as one of the area’s apex predators, though some have questioned why it isn’t painted all blue to match its fellow titans. Golub & Co. and FORMATIV have launched a public naming campaign for the towering rhino sculpture.
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As part of the “Name the Rhino” campaign, the public is invited to submit name ideas through Thursday, June 5.
Finalists will be selected shortly after, and the public will have a chance to vote on their favorites with the winning name announced during an unveiling event with Denver City Councilman Darrell Watson on June 12.
“We’re so excited to invite the community to be part of this story and help us give this iconic rhino a name that reflects the character and creativity of Denver,” said Laura Newman, vice president of investment & development at Golub & Co.
“Our goal with both the rhino and the public realm was to create a true sense of place here at Denargo Market, and we hope this becomes a beloved landmark for neighbors, families and visitors.”
Spread across the South Platte riverfront just north of Downtown Denver, Denargo Market is zoned to offer 3 million square feet of development, including residential, retail, office and hospitality spaces, public art and more.
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The site will also feature over 1,000 for-rent residential units and 4 acres of public open spaces, anchored by sport courts, nature-based play, community gardens and a revitalized dog park.
Construction of infrastructure and public parks began in September 2023. Since then, the project has completed a 56-unit affordable housing community, the sport courts and the dog park, according to a project brochure.
By the third quarter of this year, 4 acres of public realm improvements, including art installations and community spaces, will be completed.
To date, $190 million has been invested in the development, generating an estimated $50 million in revenue for the City and County of Denver during construction.
The site was formerly home to Denver’s largest food market, housing more than 500 grower stands. However, in July 1971, a four-alarm fire destroyed the market and the site became largely industrial and vacant.
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