Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican from Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, announced his resignation before the end of his term in November, citing dysfunction in Congress and increasing political polarization as reasons for his departure. Despite previously stating he would not seek reelection, Buck surprised many on Tuesday by revealing his resignation will be effective on March 22.
With Buck stepping aside, Republicans’ majority in the House has been reduced from three seats to two. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed surprise at Buck’s early departure, stating he is “curious to see why he’s leaving so early.”
The vacancy left by Buck’s resignation will be filled by a special election on June 25th, coinciding with the state’s primary elections for House races. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced the special election date, adding to the intrigue surrounding Buck’s seat.
Rep. Lauren Boebert, who represents Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, had previously expressed interest in running for Buck’s seat in November. However, it is now unclear whether she will seek the seat in the special election instead.
The 4th Congressional District, which includes most of the rural eastern half of the state, has not had a Democratic representative since 1973. The process to select Buck’s replacement will involve reconvening the district chairs for both parties to choose nominees at their 2022 conventions.
Colorado could potentially see two different election outcomes due to the special election for Buck’s seat. If Boebert runs and wins in the special election, she would have to resign from the 3rd District, potentially prompting a special election in that district as well. The developments surrounding Buck’s resignation are sure to keep political observers on high alert in the coming months.
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