Candidates seem to be lining up across the Western Slope to be the next Republican nominee to replace Lauren Boebert in Congress.

Jeff Hurd of Grand Junction successfully petitioned his way onto the ballot this week.

A Hurd campaign spokesperson told the Daily Sentinel their message to secure the border and stand up for Colorado’s energy, water and agriculture in Congress is resonating with voters across the district.

Boebert was so quickly swept into the national spotlight after being elected to represent the 3rd District, it’s nice to see those bidding for public office get back to the basics of looking out for their neighbors.

Hurd submitted nearly 4,400 signatures to Secretary of State Jena Griswold’s office to qualify, but more than half were rejected.

However, Hurd still passed the 1,500 thresholds with nearly 2,200 valid signatures.

GOP candidates Stephen Varela and Ron Hanks secured ballot positions by going through the state Republican Party assembly process.

More than a hundred party delegates from the 3rd Congressional District gathered in Pueblo last weekend and gave Stephen Varela 33.5% of their support while Hanks received 32%.

Russ Andrews failed to clear the 30% threshold but is also going the petition route.

Andrews is still waiting to hear whether Griswold’s office has approved his petition, as are Joe Granado of Fruita, Curtis McCrackin of Delta, and Lew Webb of Durango.