The district is currently represented by DemocratJared 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.
History
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.
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.
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.
As of April 2015[update], 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.
^Judge rules in favor of Democratic map in Colorado redistricting. Denver Post. 2011-11-14. [1]
Martis, Kenneth C. (1989). The Historical Atlas of Political Parties in the United States Congress. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
Martis, Kenneth C. (1982). The Historical Atlas of United States Congressional Districts. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)