A key member of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) announced that he would step down from Congress later this month. The planned resignation could have significant impacts on the small Republican majority in the House and the upcoming election involving Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO).
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Colorado’s 4th District in Congress for the past 9 years. I want to thank them for their support and encouragement throughout the years,” Buck wrote on social media.
“Today, I am announcing that I will depart Congress at the end of next week. I look forward to staying involved in our political process, as well as spending more time in Colorado and with my family.”
Statement from Congressman Ken Buck on his departure from Congress. pic.twitter.com/orjSzenZnv
— Rep. Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) March 12, 2024
The upcoming resignation came after an announcement late last year that he would not seek another term in Congress.
Buck said in an interview after his announcement that he heard discontent with both former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.
“I think we need to change our electoral laws here, and I have a passion for that, and I am going to leave, and I am going to find the right organization to join, and I’m going to start working on that issue. We have to have better candidates up and down the ballot,” said Buck.
Boebert announced that she would not seek reelection from her current Colorado House District. Instead, Boebert said that she would seek the seat being vacated by Buck.
Buck’s resignation could give a leg up for one of Boebert’s Republican competitors, who may be competitive in a special election.
Boebert is currently facing a stiff challenge from the other Republicans, coming behind several other candidates in a recent straw poll. The representative has received criticism for a number of complicated family situations and alleged behavior during a musical performance.
However, Boebert received a strong vote of confidence from former President Donald Trump, who described her as a key supporter of the America First movement.
Buck’s resignation also shrinks the conservative House Freedom Caucus. The representative voted against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas earlier this year..
