Two Members of the Colorado House Possible Replacements for Ken Buck
After five terms, conservative Congressman Ken Buck announces he will not seek reelection.
In an announcement on Monday, that was more surprising for its lack of passion than its timing, Colorado Congressman Ken Buck declared that he will not seek reelection in 2024.
The news, that the Republican who has served in the House of Representatives for five terms, was retiring, has sparked a flurry of speculation about who will replace him, including two members of the Colorado House: Minority Leader Mike Lynch and Minority Whip Richard Holtorf.
This decision by Buck has made next year's election more crucial for Republicans, as they will now have to work harder to maintain control of the House. With two seats rated as toss-ups and the potential for turnover, the GOP will need to put forward a strong candidate in Buck's conservative-leaning 4th Congressional District.
Lynch and Holtorf, both veterans, are among the possible strong contenders for the seat. However, they will likely face stiff competition from newcomers like recently announced talk show host Deborah Flora.
Throughout his tenure in Congress, Buck, a former Weld County district attorney, has spoken out against corruption in Washington and has been an advocate for conservative values. But in recent months, he has become increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the Republican Party.
Buck has vocally criticized his fellow Republicans for their unwavering loyalty to former President Donald Trump and their refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election. He has also spoken out against the party's reliance on social media and "outrage and volume," instead of focusing on legislative accomplishments.
In a statement released on the day of his announcement, Buck expressed his concern about the direction of the Republican Party and the need for long-term solutions rather than popular soundbites. He also hinted at potential plans to work with Americans to advocate for these solutions.
The announcement has sparked a flurry of activity among potential candidates in the 4th Congressional District. The seat, which covers most of Douglas County and parts of Larimer and Weld counties, is the most reliably Republican district in the state. Therefore, the June primary will likely determine the next representative in Congress.
So far, Buck's district has attracted a wide range of potential candidates, including state lawmakers, county commissioners, and a former actress and talk show host. Many of them have been preparing campaigns for months, and the race is expected to be highly competitive.
READ MORE:
Many of the potential candidates have been preparing campaigns for months, and Holtorf, a third-generation cattle rancher, fired a shot across Buck's bow a month ago, likening the incumbent to "a stray cow that's lost his way.”
Fellow Army veteran, Leader Mike Lynch said he is seriously considering a CD4 run and that "it would be a privilege to fight on behalf of all Coloradans and to protect our great nation from the serious threats we face at home and abroad."