DENVER – Democrat Gail Schwartz conceded defeat Wednesday following a spirited 3rd Congressional District race against Republican incumbent Scott Tipton.
Schwartz, a former state senator, declined to acknowledge defeat Tuesday night, pointing out that key counties had not fully reported, including Pueblo.
Unofficial election results Wednesday afternoon had Tipton defeating Schwartz, 55 percent to 41 percent.
All counties had fully reported, according to the secretary of state’s office, though some provisional and absentee ballots were left to be counted.
“Upon the conclusion of this historic and divisive election cycle, I maintain my faith in a promising future, thanks to people from our district who care about the issues facing our state and nation,” Schwartz said in a statement.
She went on to offer advice to Tipton, stating, “I ... hope that this campaign season has helped him appreciate the importance of bridging the political divide and bringing the residents of the 3rd Congressional District together on the many issues and values that unite us.”
Tipton is headed for a fourth term.
“In my next term, my number one priority will be creating economic opportunities for all Coloradans,” he said in a statement.
“Our economic recovery has largely been concentrated to the Front Range, and I will continue to fight for solutions to create equitable growth that spreads into Southern and Western Colorado.”
The race was expected to be dull, before Schwartz announced her candidacy in April. Democrats largely cleared the way for Schwartz to run, after party leaders had courted her.
An influx of money came Schwartz’s way, which led to a flood of mailers and television advertising, much of which attacked Tipton.
Democrats were hopeful the race would be tight, and party leaders expressed optimism that Schwartz had a chance at ousting Tipton.
The Republican-leaning district is an uphill battle for Democrats, but it also has historically swung between parties.
In the end, the race was not as close as Democrats would have liked.
“I pledge to continue my work to make Western and Southern Colorado the best possible place to live, work and raise a family,” Schwartz said.
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
