Buck leaving Congress next week
U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, R-colo., announced Tuesday he will leave the House of Representatives in just two weeks.
Buck had announced in November 2023 that he would not seek re- election, citing the divisiveness of the House, especially among his fellow Republicans. His announcement Tuesday, however, apparently came as a surprise to fellow members of Congress.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Colorado’s 4th District in Congress for the past nine years,” Buck said in his announcement. “I want to thank them for their support and encouragement throughout the years. 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.”
Buck’s resignation will be effective March 22, 2024. He did not mention a specific reason for leaving Congress before the end of his term, but did tell CNN that he believes this year’s Congress has been the most dysfunctional in decades. His departure means Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House by only five members, 218 to 213.
Speaker Mike Johnson was quoted in the Washington Post as being surprised at Buck’s sudden exit.
“I was surprised by Ken’s announcement,” Johnson told reporters Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to talking with him about that.”
Buck has repeatedly clashed with fellow Republicans, most recently over attempts to impeach Pres. Joe Biden. Buck has also expressed dismay over the way the GOP has become enthralled with former Pres. Donald Trump. In announcing his retirement from Congress last year, Buck expressed disappointment that many fellow Republicans continue to push the “big lie” that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.
Buck’s departure will cause a special election to fill his seat, possibly as early as June. Eleven Republicans and five Democrats are running in the primary election to fill Buck’s seat this fall.