In Reversal, Perlmutter Now Says He’s Running Again For CD7 House Seat

AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., on Capitol Hill in 2015.
Photo: Ed Perlmutter (AP Photo)
Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo., on Capitol Hill in 2015.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter is reversing himself and now says he will run again for his seat. When Perlmutter exited the governor's race earlier this year, he said he would also not seek re-election in Congressional District 7.

"Over the last few weeks a lot has happened, both for me and in the world. I’ve taken some time to regroup and recharge, and in so doing I’ve had many meaningful conversations with friends, neighbors, supporters and family who have encouraged me to run again," he said in a statement. "I have appreciated each and every conversation. It has made me take time to reflect on the future. And I’ve come to the conclusion to run again for re-election. To ask the hardworking people of the 7th district to once again put their trust in me to be their voice in Washington."

Four Democrats have already entered the race for CD7. One — state senator Dominick Moreno — dropped out and endorsed the congressman.

National Republican Congressional Campaign spokesman Jack Pandol said in a statement Monday, "Just weeks after telling voters he lacked 'fire in the belly' to effectively serve Colorado in elected office, career politician Ed Perlmutter is changing course. Given Ed's apparent willingness to say and do anything to further his own ambition, it's clear Colorado can neither trust nor respect Perlmutter. It's time for a change."

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story stated that Dominick Moreno was a former state senator. This is incorrect, Moreno is a current state senator and the story has been updated to reflect this.