Opinion | Hurd: If elected, I’ll advocate for rural Colorado’s energy, water, safety, economy and more in Congress

When I first ran for Congress, I made a simple commitment to the people of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District: I would put our communities first and focus on solving problems.
Too often, Washington, D.C. rewards political theater over results. Most people in western and southern Colorado are far less interested in partisan arguments than they are in whether their elected officials are addressing the challenges they face every day. They want affordable energy, reliable water supplies, safe communities, a secure border, a strong economy and opportunities for their children and grandchildren to build a future here at home.
That is the approach I have taken during my first term in Congress.
Colorado’s 3rd District is one of the most geographically diverse districts in America. It stretches from the Western Slope to the San Luis Valley, from the Arkansas Valley to the mountain communities of Garfield, Eagle, Routt and Pitkin counties. While every community has unique needs, one thing I hear everywhere I travel is that people want practical solutions and leaders who will listen.
Water remains one of the most important issues facing our region. Agriculture, recreation, tourism and our local economies all depend on reliable water supplies. That is why I have worked to advance efforts to protect Colorado’s critical water resources, including securing progress on preserving the historic Shoshone water rights and supporting investments that strengthen long-term drought resilience across the Colorado River Basin. Water is the lifeblood of the West, and it must remain a top priority.
Energy is another area where Colorado can lead. As electricity demand continues to grow, we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy that prioritizes reliability, affordability and American energy production. I recently helped pass bipartisan legislation in the House to improve the permitting process for geothermal energy development. Geothermal has enormous potential in Colorado and across the West, but unnecessary delays and bureaucratic hurdles have slowed projects for too long.
We can responsibly develop our energy resources while protecting our environment and public lands.
I have also worked to improve federal land management, strengthen wildfire mitigation efforts, support our outdoor recreation economy and ensure rural communities have a stronger voice in decisions made in Washington. Too often, policies are developed by people who have never lived in the communities affected by them. I believe local communities deserve a seat at the table.
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is that we have been able to deliver results through bipartisan cooperation. My first bill was signed into law with unanimous support in both the House and Senate. Other legislation I have introduced has advanced through the House with support from Republicans and Democrats alike. That does not mean compromising principles. It means recognizing that lasting solutions often require building consensus and doing the difficult work of governing.
I am running for reelection because there is still much more to do.
I want to continue fighting for policies that lower costs for families, strengthen our economy, secure the border, support agriculture, expand responsible energy development, improve forest health and protect the water resources that sustain our communities. I will continue advocating for rural Colorado’s interests and ensuring our district is not overlooked by decision-makers in Washington.
The people of Colorado’s 3rd District sent me to Congress to work, not to make headlines. Every day, I remain focused on that responsibility.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and would be honored to continue earning your trust and support.
Rep. Jeff Hurd is the incumbent candidate running for the Republican primary for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.

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