Once thought to be a highly competitive district, Lukens just may have proved that is no longer the case.
Rep. Meghan Lukens cruised to reelection in Colorado House District 26 on Tuesday and is currently winning Routt County by roughly 40 percentage points — by far the biggest win of any Democrat in the Yampa Valley.
The Associated Press called the race for Lukens at 10:17 p.m. on Tuesday night. Lukens currently leads Republican Challenger Nathan Butler 58.7% to 41.3% with an estimated 91% of votes counted.
“I’ve played hockey at every ice rink in House District 26,” Lukens said Tuesday night. “This is the community that raised me and I have worked so hard to give back to my community. I’m grateful that the voters of House District 26 share this vision for the future of Northwest Colorado.”
Thought to be one of the most competitive House Districts in Colorado after non-partisan redistricting, Lukens showed that may not longer be the case on Tuesday. While once estimated to have a 2.7-point lean toward Democrats during redistricting, Lukens is currently leading by more than 17 points, according to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office.
As of 10 a.m. Lukens was leading 25,584 to 18,010 for Butler.
When reached before the AP Call Tuesday, Butler said he was still hopeful as more ballots from outlying areas potentially delayed by snow were counted. Over the phone on Wednesday, Butler said he was disappointed.
“It’s disappointing, not necessarily so much on my part, but for the community,” Butler said. “I hope that at least some of the things that I said on the campaign Meghan paid attention to and can help in whatever way she can for our community.”