The retirement of nine-term Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn has opened up an opportunity for a new representative in Colorado's 5th Congressional District (CD5). As every Republican-held Congressional seat in Colorado is up for grabs, the race for CD5 in Colorado Springs, a Republican stronghold, is gaining attention.

Additionally, the retirement of Republican Congressman Ken Buck in Congressional District 4 (CD4) and the decision of “seat shopper” Lauren Boebert to run from her loosing CD3 race to disrupt CD4 added further intrigue to the political landscape.

Several potential candidates have already expressed their interest in running for CD5, each bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives. Among them is Wayne Williams, a former Colorado Springs city councilman and former Colorado Secretary of State.

Williams, who recently lost his bid for Colorado Springs mayor, has received requests from numerous individuals urging him to consider running. While he is open to the possibility, he has stated that he would not run if former Colorado Springs mayor John Suthers decides to enter the race, as he holds Suthers in high regard. Suthers hasn’t signaled yet if he plans to campaign for the seat.

State Sen. Bob Gardner of Colorado Springs is also considering a run for CD5. Said to be gardening support from individuals within the community, state, and national levels, Gardner is carefully weighing his options.

Eli Bremer, a former Olympian and former U.S. Senate candidate, is another potential contender for CD5. Having previously run in the U.S. Senate Republican primary in 2022, Bremer is currently in discussions with his family and previous supporters as he considers the possibility of running for Congress.

Another candidate to watch is Jeff Crank, a radio host and Americans for Prosperity Regional Director. Crank previously challenged Lamborn in the Republican primary in 2006 and 2008 but was unsuccessful. He is currently taking the time to consult with his family and reflect on the decision before making a final announcement.

State Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen of Monument, the highest-ranking Republican in the state senate, is also exploring the idea of running for CD5. Lundeen is seeking input from his family and advisors as he weighs his commitment to serving Coloradans alongside his familial responsibilities.

READ MORE:

• COLORADO CONGRESSMAN LAMBORN ANNOUNCES HE WON'T SEEK REELECTION

• MIKE LYNCH ANNOUNCES BID FOR COLORADO'S 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

• ANOTHER CD4 CANDIDATE ARRESTED FOR VIOLATING PROTECTION ORDER IN

• BOEBERT BLAMES HOLLYWOOD FOR ELECTION WOES, TAKES ZERO PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Dave Williams, the current Colorado Republican Party Chair, is also considering entering the race. While he has not officially announced his candidacy, Williams has been a controversial figure within the party, and has found fundraising difficult. This could be a serious stumbling block for any congressional aspiration.

As the race for Colorado's 5th Congressional District unfolds, the emergence of these potential candidates showcases the diversity of voices within the Republican Party. Several other names are being thrown around including -- El Paso County Commissioner Carrie Geitner, former House Minority Leader Tim Geitner, Current Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, former county commissioner and U.S. Senate Candidate Darryl Glenn, and former State Representative Dan Nordberg.