Jeff Hurd's Repeated Absences Spark Criticism

In Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, Representative Jeff Hurd faces growing scrutiny from local Republicans. Once again, he skipped a Montrose County Republican Party Central Committee meeting, sending his aide, Nova, to field questions and criticism. Constituents expressed frustration over Hurd's refusal to engage directly, labeling him as one of the district's least responsive representatives in recent years.

Historical Context of the District

Colorado's 3rd District, covering the rural Western Slope, San Luis Valley, and Pueblo, has a storied history of representatives who balanced conservatism with local engagement. From 1987 to 1993, Democrat Ben Nighthorse Campbell, the first Native American in Congress from Colorado, focused on rural issues like water rights and public lands before switching to the Republican Party and winning a Senate seat. Republican Scott Tipton held the seat from 2011 to 2021, emphasizing agriculture and energy, but lost renomination to the more outspoken Lauren Boebert in 2020. Boebert, known for her America First stance and frequent town halls, won narrow victories in 2020 and 2022 before switching to the 4th District in 2024.

Hurd, a Grand Junction native and attorney, won the 2024 election after Boebert's departure. Educated at Notre Dame and Columbia Law School, he positioned himself as a pragmatic conservative. However, his tenure echoes criticisms of past representatives who drifted from grassroots roots, such as Tipton's perceived moderation that alienated hardliners.

The Latest Meeting Skip and Backlash

At the recent Montrose meeting, Nova absorbed pointed questions about Hurd's priorities. Attendees highlighted his absence as a pattern, noting he has avoided several local forums since taking office in January 2025. Critics argue this disengagement contrasts with Boebert's hands-on approach, which included direct constituent interactions despite controversies.

Nova relayed Hurd's view that challenger Hope Scheppelman cannot win due to her "far-right" positions. This sparked debate, as locals see Scheppelman as aligned with common-sense conservatism and the America First agenda, not extremism. Hurd's team portrays him as centrist, but detractors claim he leans left on key votes, including opposing President Trump's tariffs on Canada in February 2026, joining five other Republicans in defying the administration. This move drew threats of primary challenges from Trump, who had endorsed Hurd in 2024.

Meet the Challenger: Hope Scheppelman

Scheppelman, a Navy Veteran and critical care nurse practitioner from Bayfield, launched her 2026 primary bid in June 2025. As former Colorado GOP vice chair, she has raised over $212,000 and earned endorsements from figures like General Michael Flynn and Tom Tancredo. She criticizes Hurd's votes, such as supporting extended Obamacare subsidies and opposing defunding for certain medical procedures, as betrayals of district values.

Polls show Hurd leading 36-27, but Scheppelman's grassroots appeal could shift dynamics, especially with Trump's potential involvement. Her platform emphasizes border security, election integrity, and rural priorities, resonating in a district that backed Trump in 2024.

A Call for Accountability

Hurd's absences and votes raise questions about representation in a district historically demanding accessibility. As the 2026 primary approaches, voters weigh pragmatism against ideological alignment. With Nova taking "all the arrows," as one attendee put it, locals demand Hurd show up and answer directly. Colorado's 3rd deserves a representative who prioritizes constituents over Washington politics.

Just one man’s humble opinion.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a father of 5, grandfather of 3, USAF Veteran, recording artist, entrepreneur, Editor of USA Liberty Report, passionate about Freedom, Liberty, the founders’ genius of the Constitution and current Candidate for Montrose City Council.