Colorado House Republican Ken Buck has suggested that more resignations could be on the horizon for the GOP following his announcement that he will step down at the week’s end. This move further reduces his party’s already slim majority in the chamber.
When questioned by Axios about potential pressure from his colleagues regarding his resignation, Buck hinted at concerns over future departures, stating, “I think it’s the next three people that leave that they’re going to be worried about.”
Buck’s decision diminishes the House Republicans to 218 members, compared to 213 Democrats, at a time when Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges in asserting control over the chamber.
Once viewed as a staunch conservative, Buck has recently made headlines for his opposition to fellow Republicans’ attempts to impeach President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Buck expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Colorado’s 4th District in Congress for nine years. He announced his departure, scheduled for the end of the following week, citing a desire to remain engaged in politics and spend more time with his family in Colorado.
A special election to fill Buck’s seat in Colorado’s 4th congressional district is set for June 25.
Speaking to CNN after his announcement, Buck criticized what he described as increasing dysfunction within Congress, expressing a desire to pursue other opportunities outside of politics.
When asked if Donald Trump’s presumptive nomination as the Republican presidential candidate influenced his decision to resign, Buck emphasized broader concerns about the flaws in the candidate selection process.
Johnson expressed surprise at Buck’s announcement, indicating he had not been informed in advance, although a spokesperson for the Colorado Republican claimed Buck left a voicemail regarding his intentions 30 minutes before the public announcement.
Republican Rep. Pat Fallon characterized Buck’s resignation as surprising and concerning, while political commentator Jake Sherman highlighted the apparent lack of prior knowledge among House leadership.
Earlier this month, in an interview with NewsNation, Buck voiced dissatisfaction with the partisan rhetoric within his party, emphasizing a commitment to truthfulness in politics.
Buck’s early resignation poses a challenge for Rep. Lauren Boebert, another Colorado Republican, who had intended to succeed him in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District in November’s election. However, Boebert cannot run in the June special election unless she vacates her current seat in the 3rd Congressional District.
Former GOP congressman Adam Kinzinger noted on social media that Buck’s early resignation could advantage candidates other than Boebert in the upcoming special election, given her inability to run while holding office.
