When the Gazette’s editorial board endorsed Jeff Hurd in 2024 to represent Colorado’s vast and diverse 3rd Congressional District, it was clear he was meant for the job. It’s clearer than ever now, nearly two years later, after his first term in the post.

The Grand Junction native certainly has done right by his district, representing — and embodying — its generally conservative but fiercely independent nature. The Republican Hurd has proven himself to be a true public servant: relentless in advocating for CD-3 and the West Slope; loyal to his party’s principles and fearless when he takes a stand for his constituents — even if it means pushing back at powers that be, including the White House.

And Hurd does it all with dignity and without a trace of ego — as our board was reminded after a couple of recent conversations with him. Naturally likable, super smart, highly effective yet humble to the core. 

How refreshing — at a time when politics has become routinely acrimonious, divisive and crass — to be able to vote for a real statesman. All the more so following recent, tumultuous times involving CD-3. In Hurd, the district now has a member of Congress with a level head and a steady hand on the tiller — a representative all voters in the district can respect.

It’s why we enthusiastically endorse Hurd for reelection — in the upcoming June 30 Republican primary and in the general election next fall. 

We urge the citizens of the 3rd to cast a vote for him when their primary ballots arrive in the mail early next week, and that applies not only to Republicans but also to the district’s many unaffiliated voters. 

Voters registered as unaffiliated now make up more than half of the state’s electorate, and under state law, they receive a primary ballot in the mail for each of the two political parties. Unaffiliated voters may vote and return one of those ballots, and we urge CD-3’s unaffiliated — as well as Republicans, of course — to opt for the GOP primary ballot and vote for Hurd. 

His stands on the issues, today as in 2024, are true-to-form Republican but enjoy broad support across party lines. His top priorities include U.S. border security; drawing investment into job creation and small business, especially in rural Colorado; energy independence that develops Colorado’s considerable natural resources; standing up for Colorado’s farms and ranches, and, of course, the state’s most critical natural resource, water.

Hurd is in a position to advance those priorities. He sits on the U.S. House’s Natural Resources Committee and chairs its Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee, both of which are consequential to his district, its two reservations and its abundant resources. He also sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee.

Hurd has built a reputation on Capitol Hill in Washington for constructive cooperation with other members of Congress, including reaching across the aisle when needed to pursue his district’s interests. He also will stand his ground for his district, as he did this year in voting with five other Republicans to rescind tariffs that were backfiring on CD-3 after they were imposed against Canada by Hurd’s fellow Republican in the White House.

President Donald Trump nonetheless endorsed Hurd. The president has learned what many citizens of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District already know: A statesman of Jeff Hurd’s stature is just what the Republican Party needs — and what his district needs — in Congress.

Vote for Jeff Hurd for CD-3.