Trump endorses Scheppelemann to replace Jeff Hurd

Trump endorses Scheppelemann to replace Jeff Hurd

Trump Endorses Hurd for Re-election in Colorado’s 3rd CD Amid Primary Challenges

President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) for re-election in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, praising his legislative record and alignment with Republican priorities such as border security, energy independence, and tax cuts. The endorsement, announced via Truth Social on October 25, 2025, marks the first time Trump has publicly supported Hurd, a first-term representative elected in 2024 by a 5-point margin in the Republican-leaning district.

Hurd faces a primary challenge from Bayfield Republican Hope Scheppelman, a former Colorado GOP vice chair who has criticized Trump’s endorsement as misleading. Scheppelman alleges that Hurd’s voting record contradicts Trump’s policies, citing his opposition to censuring Rep. Ilhan Omar and his “deep disappointment” with Trump’s 2025 pardons for Jan. 6 defendants according to her claims. She also disputes Trump’s characterization of Hurd as a staunch MAGA ally, comparing the endorsement to Trump’s 2020 support for Scott Tipton, who was later unseated by Lauren Boebert.

Hurd, a “rule of law Republican,” has described Jan. 6 as “a dark day in American history” but has avoided explicitly aligning with Trump’s more controversial actions, such as his America First tariff strategy as reported. His campaign emphasizes bipartisan efforts, including meetings with Democrats and local activists, which Scheppelman frames as evidence of establishment ties according to her analysis.

Democratic challenger Alex Kelloff has also criticized Trump’s endorsement, arguing it prioritizes political loyalty over constituent needs, particularly for rural communities facing Medicaid cuts, rural hospital closures, and agricultural trade challenges as noted in campaign statements.

While Trump carried the 3rd CD by nearly 10 points in 2024, Hurd’s primary margin remains narrower, reflecting the district’s competitive GOP primary base. With open primary rules allowing unaffiliated voters to participate, the race underscores broader tensions between grassroots conservatism and establishment politics according to political observers.

The outcome will hinge on whether Trump’s endorsement galvanizes base support or further fractures the Republican electorate ahead of the 2026 general election.