Critics celebrated on social media as CNN projected Lauren Boebert’s defeat in bid for fourth term

CNN projection puts Laubacher ahead

CNN reported that, with an estimated 98 percent of the vote counted, Laubacher had 48.8 percent, or 185,923 votes. Boebert had 47.9 percent, or 182,686 votes, while Libertarian candidate Douglas Mangeris received 3.3 percent, or 12,605 votes.

The projection came from CNN alone, with no additional news outlet cited. Boebert disputed the results. The reported figures put Laubacher 3,237 votes ahead.

Critics react online

After CNN’s projection, opponents of Boebert posted celebratory reactions on social media. Author Don Winslow wrote on X, “LAUREN BOEBERT HAS LOST! TODAY IS A GREAT DAY.” Progressive commentator Isaiah Martin posted, “LAUREN BOEBERT, YOU'RE FIRED!!!!!!” Political commentator Adam Mockler focused on Boebert’s district change, writing, “The best part is, Lauren Boebert moved to a ‘safer’ district and still lost.”

Past controversy resurfaces

Many posts referred to Boebert’s removal from a Denver theater during a 2023 performance of the musical “Beetlejuice.” She was escorted out after vaping, singing, taking flash photos and groping her date, according to the account. Boebert initially denied the incident. After security camera footage was released, she issued a public apology.

A prominent figure in Congress

Boebert became a prominent member of the House’s MAGA wing, drawing national attention and creating tensions within her party. Former President Joe Biden called her “one of the leaders of this extreme MAGA movement” after she heckled him during his 2022 State of the Union address.

Her outspoken approach posed challenges for Republican Speakers Kevin McCarthy and Mike Johnson. Though Donald Trump eventually endorsed her as a “MAGA Warrior,” their relationship had difficult periods.

Boebert also broke with House Republican leadership and the Trump administration by supporting a Democratic effort to release Jeffrey Epstein case files. Party leaders had raised privacy concerns for victims.