Colorado's 7th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Colorado. Formerly located only in the northeast part of the state, the district now encompasses the western parts of the Denver metropolitan area, including Golden, Lakewood, Arvada and Broomfield, along with the central Colorado counties of El Paso County, Jefferson, Park, Teller, Lake, Chaffee, Fremont, and Custer.
The district has been represented by Democrat Brittany Pettersen since 2023.
History
2000s The 7th congressional district was created following the 2000 U.S. census and associated realignment and reapportionment of Colorado congressional districts. It formerly consisted of portions of Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson counties, see above for the more recent list. The boundaries were drawn by a court after the state legislature failed to agree on a redistricting plan.
Characteristics As originally drawn, the 7th was a "fair fight" district that was split roughly 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans. The seat's original congressman, Republican Bob Beauprez, gave up the seat in 2006 to run for governor, and was succeeded by Democrat Ed Perlmutter. Since then, a growing Democratic trend in the Denver suburbs allowed Perlmutter to strengthen his hold on the seat.
Redistricting after the 2010 census shifted the district to the more populated portions of Jefferson County, making it slightly more Democratic. The 2020 census has changed the district significantly, absorbing the rural areas in the central portion of the state. While the district takes in much more rural population than before, the bulk of population still lives in Jefferson and Broomfield counties, giving the district a mildly Democratic tilt.
Recent election results from statewide races Year Office Results2008 PresidentObama 52% - 46% SenateUdall 51% - 43%2010 SenateBuck 47.05% - 47.03% GovernorHickenlooper 50% - 9% Secretary of StateGessler 51% - 42% TreasurerStapleton 51% - 49% Attorney GeneralSuthers 58% - 42%2012 PresidentObama 51% - 49%2014 SenateUdall 49% - 45%2016 PresidentClinton 47% - 44% SenateBennet 49% - 45%2018 GovernorPolis 53% - 43% Attorney GeneralWeiser 51% - 46%2020 PresidentBiden 56% - 42% SenateHickenlooper 54% - 44%2022 SenateBennet 57% - 40% GovernorPolis 60% - 38% Secretary of StateGriswold 56% - 42% TreasurerYoung 55% - 42% Attorney GeneralWeiser 56% - 42%2024 PresidentHarris 56% - 41%
Composition For the 118th and successive Congresses (based on redistricting following the 2020 census), the district contains all or portions of the following counties and communities:
Adams County (1)
Arvada (part; also 2nd and 8th; shared with Jefferson County)
Broomfield County (1)
Broomfield
Chaffee County (8)
All 8 communities
Custer County (2)
Silver Cliff, Westcliffe
El Paso County (1)
Green Mountain Falls (shared with Teller County)
Fremont County (12)
All 12 communities
Jefferson County (20)
Applewood, Arvada (part; also 2nd and 8th; shared with Adams County), Aspen Park, Brook Forest (part; also 2nd; shared with Clear Creek County), Dakota Ridge, East Pleasant View, Edgewater, Evergreen, Fairmount, Genesee, Golden, Idledale, Indian Hills, Kittredge, Lakeside, Lakewood, Morrison, Westminster (part; also 8th; shared with Adams County), West Pleasant View, Wheat Ridge
Lake County (3)
All 3 communities
Park County (4)
All 4 communities
Teller County (8)
All 8 communities
List of members representing the district Name Party Years Cong–ress Electoral history District location District created January 3, 2003 Bob Beauprez Republican January 3, 2003 –January 3, 2007 Elected in 2002.Re-elected in 2004.Retired to run for Governor of Colorado. 2003–2013 Ed Perlmutter Democratic January 3, 2007 –January 3, 2023 Elected in 2006.Re-elected in 2008.Re-elected in 2010.Re-elected in 2012.Re-elected in 2014.Re-elected in 2016.Re-elected in 2018.Re-elected in 2020.Retired. 2013–2023 Brittany Pettersen Democratic January 3, 2023 –present Elected in 2022.Re-elected in 2024. 2023–present
Election results 2002 • 2004 • 2006 • 2008 • 2010 • 2012 • 2014 • 2016 • 2018 • 2020 • 2022
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
Historical district boundaries
See also
Colorado's congressional districts List of United States congressional districts
References Congressional Biographical Directory of the United States 1774–present