By Trendsetter Tribune 
The political landscape in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District has been dramatically altered following President Donald Trump’s decision to rescind his endorsement of incumbent Representative Jeff Hurd and instead back challenger Hope Scheppelman.
Impact of the Endorsement Switch
- Tariff Dispute: The move comes after Rep. Hurd voted alongside nearly all House Democrats and five other Republicans to lift tariffs on Canada that were imposed by the administration in February 2025.
- Shift in Support: Trump described Hurd as a “RINO Congressman” on Truth Social, praising Scheppelman as someone who “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.”
- Campaign Consequences: Scheppelman reported an influx of donations and national support following the endorsement, while Hurd has remained largely silent on the loss of favor.
Broader Political Context
This endorsement is part of a larger trend in the 2026 midterm cycle, where the administration is heavily influencing Republican primaries to ensure loyalty to its agenda.
| Race | Impact |
| Colorado 3rd | Hurd’s vulnerability has raised concerns among Republicans about holding this competitive seat against a Democratic challenger in November. |
| Texas 21st | Trump endorsed former MLB player Mark Teixeira, leading another candidate to drop out and support the new choice. |
| Florida Governor | Polling suggests Byron Donalds jumped 18 points to 62% support among Republican primary voters after being primed with information about Trump’s endorsement. |