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Current Representative Jared Polis (D–Boulder) | ||
Colorado's 2nd congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Colorado. The district is located in the north-central part of the state and encompasses the northwestern suburbs of Denver including Boulder, Northglenn, Thornton, and Westminster. The district also includes the mountain towns of Vail, Grand Lake and Idaho Springs. Redistricting in 2011 has moved Larimer County, including the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland, to the 2nd from the 4th district for the 2012 election.
Contents
The district is currently represented by Democrat Jared Polis, who is one of seven openly gay members of the House of Representatives. Polis succeeded fellow Democrat Mark Udall who subsequently served in the U.S. Senate from 2009 to 2015.
While there are some towns in the rural parts of the district that tilt Republican, the suburban Denver parts of the district (especially in Boulder) keeps the 2nd as a safe seat for the Democrats.
1990s
Following the 1990 U.S. Census and associated realignment of Colorado congressional districts, the 2nd Congressional District consisted of Boulder, Clear Creek, and Gilpin counties, as well as portions of Adams, and Jefferson counties.
2000s
Following the 2000 U.S. Census and associated realignment of Colorado congressional districts, the 2nd Congressional District consisted of Broomfield, Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, and Summit counties, as well as portions of Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld counties.
2010s
Following the 2010 U.S. Census and associated realignment of Colorado congressional districts, the 2nd Congressional District consisted of Broomfield, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Grand, Larimer and Summit counties; most of Boulder and Jefferson counties; and portions of Eagle and Park counties. Following the census, the 2nd district stretched further north to the Wyoming border while losing the western portion of Eagle County.
Characteristics
This district is anchored in Boulder and Adams counties which have the bulk of population in the district. A liberal base around the city of Boulder (home of the University of Colorado at Boulder), coupled with a sizable Latino population in the Adams County portion of district, usually bodes well for Democrats.
Living former Members
As of April 2015, there are three former members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado's 2nd congressional district who are currently living at this time.