Colorado is set to hold a special election in June to choose a new representative for the 4th Congressional District, currently held by Republican Rep. Ken Buck. However, Rep. Lauren Boebert has made it clear that she will not be running for the vacant seat. Buck recently announced his resignation, which will take effect next week, leaving the district in need of a new representative.
Boebert said on Wednesday that she will not run in the special election because she wishes to serve out the remainder of her current term in Congress. Boebert is a Republican congresswoman who now represents Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, but she is vying to replace Buck in CD4 in the November general election.
Buck will be leaving Congress on March 22, and his seat will remain vacant until late June. Governor Jared Polis has scheduled a special election on June 25, which will align with Colorado’s primary elections for House races. This election will determine the representative who will serve in Congress and represent CD3 for the remainder of Buck’s term.
In a prepared statement, Boebert expressed her determination to continue serving her constituents and securing the votes of the people in Colorado’s 4th District who are seeking a true conservative representative. She stated, “I will not resign my current seat, as it could further jeopardize the already slim House Republican majority. Instead, I will focus on delivering on my constituents’ priorities while actively campaigning to earn their support.” Boebert also took the opportunity to criticize Buck’s decision to step down from office.
Boebert remarked that Buck’s decision will make any elected Congressman or Congresswoman a “lame duck… on day one” because they will only be in office for less than a year unless they also contest for the seat in November’s general election and win.
Colorado has experienced a similar special election in recent history. This occurred when Rep. Jack Swigert was elected, but unfortunately passed away. Subsequently, voters in Congressional District 6 elected Rep. Daniel Schaefer to fulfill the remainder of Swigert’s term.
