Republican to Suddenly Leave Congress

Republican Representative Ken Buck announced on Tuesday he plans to leave Congress at the end of next week.

"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," he wrote in a statement.

The Context

Buck previously announced he would not seek reelection in the conservative-leaning Congressional district, comprised of some Denver suburbs and the easternmost parts of the state. He has sparred with other conservatives over issues including the validity of the 2020 presidential election and support for Ukraine as it defends itself against the ongoing invasion from Russia.

What We Know

Buck's announcement of an early departure from Congress came as a surprise Tuesday afternoon. In the statement posted to X, Buck wrote that he looks "forward to staying involved in our political process" as well as spending more time at home with his family.

He did not say what prompted him to leave Congress early.

He initially announced his plans to retire from Congress in November.

"I always have been disappointed with our inability in Congress to deal with major issues & I'm also disappointed that the Republican Party continues to rely on this lie that the 2020 election was stolen & rely on the January 6 narrative," Buck said.

Buck, a member of the right-wing Freedom Caucus, has been critical of his fellow conservatives, breaking from the party on their efforts to impeach President Joe Biden, telling CNN in September he has not "heard an accurate fact in conference in a long time" and did not plan to "waste" his time with an impeachment inquiry.

Politico's Olivia Beavers reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson said Buck did not give him a heads-up about his departure.

Views

Buck's announcement drew reactions on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

"Things continuing to go well for the GOP," wrote attorney George Conway, a conservative who has become critical of the Republican Party.

"A few weeks ago, Democrats rolled one of their members in a wheelchair from the hospital still in his gown so they could vote to save Mayorkas from impeachment. Meanwhile, Republicans are ditching Congress and shrinking the majority simply because they don't enjoy being there," wrote conservative commentator Greg Price.

"BREAKING: Republican Rep. Ken Buck from Colorado's 4th District is resigning and will depart 'at the end of next week.' Republicans are literally one heart beat away from a split House. Why is he not waiting until November?! Unreal," wrote commentator Charlie Kirk.

What's Next

Buck's departure will shrink Republicans' already-thin majority in the House. Currently, the House is made up of 219 Republicans and 213 Democrats. The vacancy created by Buck's retirement will leave the GOP with only 218 members, as there are three vacancies.

Governor Jared Polis will have to set a special election date, according to Denver-based news station KMGH-TV. It cannot be scheduled within 90 days of the general election.

Presently, Colorado's primary for Congress and state elections is scheduled for June 25.

Update 3/12/24 2:30 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.

Update 3/12/24 2:54 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.