Lauren Boebert cruises to GOP victory in crowded race for Colorado's 4th District primary election

Lauren Boebert easily won the Republican nomination for a new seat in Congress in Tuesday's primary election, but the two-term congresswoman is expected to fall short of majority support in the 4th District.

Why it matters: Her victory in the ruby-red district all-but ensures another term despite a barrage of criticism for leaving the 3rd District and her repeated missteps since taking office.

Driving the news: Boebert took 43% in preliminary results from the early vote. The Associated Press projected her as the winner 22 minutes after polls closed at 7pm.

• Her five challengers split the protest vote against her, helping deliver her a victory. The second-most votes went to Deborah Flora, a conservative radio host.
• Mike Lynch, the former GOP state House leader, and Jerry Sonnenberg, a former state senator, received 12%
• The remaining two candidates stood at less than 10%.

The big picture: The firebrand congresswoman's decision to switch districts after winning her Western Slope seat by a meager 546 votes in 2022 all but assured her primary victory.

• Her challengers battled for months to establish themselves as the top rival, blasting Boebert for her behavior and desire for the spotlight.
• But an early poll showed her with a significant lead and she outraised her opponents by significant margins. She consistently reminded voters that former President Trump endorsed her in the race.

What we're watching: The 4th District is the most Republican in the state, but some Democrats believe they have a chance to mount a viable challenge given her record.

The other side: In the Democratic primary, three candidates are vying to take on Boebert, Trisha Calvarese, Ike McCorkle and John Padora Jr.

• Calvarese held a slight advantage against McCorkle in early returns.