Bayfield Republican Hope Scheppelman announced Monday she will challenge U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, accusing the freshman congressman of betraying conservative voters and failing to uphold President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Scheppelman was unavailable for comment Tuesday. However, in a news release on Monday, she accused Hurd of deceiving voters and aligning with anti-conservative interests.
“Jeff Hurd and his fake conservative puppet masters at ‘Americans for Chinese Prosperity,’ the so-called AFP, tricked and lied to CD3 voters last year,” Scheppelman said in the release. “But they can’t deceive us any longer now that he’s exposed himself as just another liberal elitist who is dead set against President Donald Trump.”
She criticized Hurd’s voting record, saying it reflects “a clear disdain for MAGA Republicans and President Donald Trump’s political agenda.”
Efforts to reach Hurd for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful.
“Congressman Hurd is focused on delivering for the third congressional district, Colorado and America,” his campaign told Colorado Public Radio in a statement. “He is proud to have played a role with President Trump in helping secure our border, unleash Colorado energy, and extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs act.”
Scheppelman, a Navy veteran and longtime critical care nurse, previously served as vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party and as secretary of the La Plata County Republican Central Committee.
Her tenure in leadership was marked by party conflict and public controversy, including an attempt by local Republicans to remove her from her county role.
Scheppelman has drawn attention for her involvement in disputes with Durango School District 9-R over the display of pride and Black Lives Matter flags in schools, drawing backlash from community members and some fellow Republicans.
No other candidates have formally entered the race in Colorado’s 3rd District, which spans the Western Slope and parts of southern Colorado.
Hurd, a moderate Republican and Grand Junction attorney, won the seat in 2024 after Rep. Lauren Boebert opted to run in a different district.
If elected, Scheppelman said she would prioritize securing the border – including with physical barriers – and said her mission is clear: to “stop the traffickers, and bring healing and safety to American families.”
jbowman@durangoherald.com
Colorado Public Radio contributed to this report.
