Two-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Meghan Lukens won her reelection bid to represent Colorado House District 26 against Republican challenger James Kellogg.

The Associated Press called the race at 8:01 p.m. Lukens holds more than 60% of the vote as of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to unofficial results from the Colorado Secretary of State.

“I am incredibly honored that the people of Northwest Colorado have once again placed their trust in me to serve as their State Representative for House District 26,” Lukens said in a statement. “This victory belongs to our entire community. It reflects the hard work, conversations and shared commitment of everyone who believes in a strong future for Northwest Colorado.”

Colorado House District 26 spans Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties, as well as the majority of Eagle County.

Lukens, a Steamboat Springs Democrat, is currently serving her second term in the Colorado House of Representatives. Prior to running for office in 2022, she was a social studies teacher at Steamboat Springs High School.

During her first two terms, Lukens has said her focus was on strengthening the economy, investing in public education and protecting the state’s public land and water resources. In her third term, Lukens has said she will work to prevent working people from getting priced out of her district by lowering the cost of necessities like housing, childcare, healthcare and everyday expenses. 

“As I begin another term in the state house, my commitment to Northwest Colorado remains the same,” Lukens said. “I will continue working to make sure our families can afford to build a life here, our schools have the resources they need and our communities have a strong voice in the decisions that affect them. Thank you for your trust and for allowing me to continue serving the place we call home.”

The last time a Republican candidate was elected to represent House District 26 was in 1998, when Republican Scott D. McKay flipped the seat by defeating Democratic candidate Betty Boyd. Lukens won her 2024 reelection bid with 56% of the vote against Republican challenger Nathan Butler. The district had a six-point tilt toward Democrats during the 2024 presidential election.

Filings with the Colorado Secretary of State show Lukens surpassed her opponent in spending and contributions leading up to election night, having collected roughly $134,800 in contributions and spent $120,400 on her campaign as of Oct. 28. Kellogg had raised over $15,000 and spent roughly $15,200.