John Malone
Mar 12, 2024 - 10:50

Rep. Ken Buck leave Congress, GOP majority narrows

Republican Rep. Ken Buck will resign, impacting House majority. Potential obstacle for Rep. Lauren Boebert's succession. Special election to follow.

Republican Representative Ken Buck announced on Tuesday that he will be resigning next week, which will impact his party's slim majority in the House and potentially complicate Rep. Lauren Boebert's bid to succeed him. Buck, a staunch conservative who has been critical of his party's handling of former President Donald Trump, made the surprise announcement during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Special Counsel Robert Hur's investigation into President Joe Biden's handling of classified documents.

In an interview with CNN, Buck expressed frustration at not being able to ask questions during the hearing despite being the third-ranking Republican on the committee. He cited personal reasons for his decision to resign, lamenting the lack of decorum and professionalism in Congress.

Buck's departure on March 22 will trigger a special election to fill the remainder of his term. Several Republicans, including Boebert, are already running to replace him in November. However, the timing of the special election could impact Boebert's chances of taking over Buck's seat. A committee of Colorado Republicans will choose the party's nominee to serve the remainder of Buck's term, and it remains uncertain if they will select Boebert, who has no prior ties to the district.

If the special election occurs before the primary, the Republican winner will have an advantage in the primary race, potentially making it difficult for other contenders to secure the nomination. Buck expressed his desire to remain involved in politics despite his resignation, emphasizing the importance of choosing the best candidates for upcoming elections.

Buck, a former federal prosecutor and district attorney, is a member of the House Freedom Caucus and has gained attention for breaking with his party on significant issues. His resignation marks a significant development in Colorado politics, with implications for both the current and upcoming Congress.