ALAMOSA—After a very close race, Republican and Grand Junction attorney Jeff Hurd ultimately won the seat to represent CD-3 in the U.S. Congress, beating Democratic opponent Adam Frisch in his second bid for the seat by 12,000 votes or 3.3%.

Frisch, who lost the last election by just 560 votes, announced that he had conceded the race on Wednesday afternoon.

“A few moments ago, I called to offer my congratulations to Jeff Hurd for being the next Representative for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District,” Frisch’s statement read. “Elections are about showing up, and I traveled more than 75,000 miles this campaign authentically connecting with people from Dinosaur to Durango, Manzanola to Mancos and everywhere in between. This campaign was about them, and I am humbled by the immense outpouring of support I received all across CD3.

“While we were not victorious, I believe that this campaign was part of an important movement that seeks to turn the political temperature down and start focusing on the real challenges that face communities like the ones in CD3. Everyday people are sick of partisan politics as usual, and the vast majority of people view themselves first and foremost as Coloradans - not Republicans or Democrats - who want both parties to stop the petty arguments and political grandstanding and start working together to help make everyone’s lives better.”

In a follow-up conversation with the Valley Courier, Frish said, “We were focused on being independent and working hard. No matter where we went across this district from very left to very center to very right, there was a feeling – especially in southern Colorado – that there was the great state of Denver and then there’s everybody else. Over the past generation, I think the state capitol and the D.C. capitol have lost touch with the daily life of those who don’t live in the city and those who don’t have a college degree.

“We’re obviously  disappointed. But I’m proud of the race we ran and I loved to have the 55,000 mile father-son road trip and to cruise around the most beautiful district in the country.”

When asked what he was going to do now, he said, “I’m going to vacuum a truck that has 75,000 miles on it. But I will stay involved trying to make sure that CD3 remains viable because this is still the only district that is not attached to the Denver and the Front Range. It's been an honor to do so much work with a lot of really great people in Western Colorado.”

The Valley Courier also reached out to Jeff Hurd to ask about his plans in representing CD3.

“My first priority is a transition that's as smooth and seamless as possible, that our constituent services are second to none and that we take care of constituents across the district and in the San Luis Valley. And, if there are any needs, they are taken care of without flaw. We have to get the fundamentals right.

“Legislatively, a lot will depend upon if we can hold the majority in Congress. If we do, then certainly there’s more opportunity to get things done. Depending upon what committees I’m on, I’ll do everything I can to help the district. I want to do everything we can to secure the border and grow the economy and develop energy independence.  Last but not least, I want to do whatever I can to help farmers and ranchers. I know there’s a Farm Bill that we’ll be looking at.”

Hurd is hoping to be appointed to the Natural Resources, Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture Committees.

“I’ve never been elected before, but I want to make sure that I’m doing the right thing to help farmers and ranchers in the SLV and other parts of the district.”

During his campaign, Donald Trump had spoken about one of his first priorities being to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which has brought significant funding for farmers and ranchers  for climate-smart practices on agricultural land, conservation programs, assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers and support for rural clean energy and energy independence.

The Farm Bill Hurd mentioned is also being negotiated. Some in the Republican Party have historically advocated for cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which would impact the Valley where poverty levels are among the highest in the state.

When asked if he will be willing to break with his party and vote with Democrats in fighting the repeal of the IRA or cuts in the Farm Bill, Hurd said, “My first priority is to the Constitution. My second priority is to the needs of the third district, even if it means going across the aisle. If the needs in my district mean that I have to cross party lines, then I will absolutely do that.”

While recently speaking to Republicans in Alamosa, Hurd mentioned that his family will not be moving to Washington, D.C., and that continues to be the plan. “Our family is staying here in the third Congressional district. This is home. It’s where our friends are, where our family is and where our community support is.” Hurd said it will involve a lot of travel and time away from home but "coming home will also be a good incentive to stay in touch with constituents."

The seat to represent CD3 was vacated by Republican incumbent Lauren Boebert who beat Adam Frisch in his first bid for office by only 560 votes. As Frisch broke fundraising records in a rematch, last January, Boebert suddenly transferred her residence to CD-4 where she felt victory was more certain. Boebert was elected to Congress in CD-4 on Tuesday.