Republican Congressman Ken Buck, who had previously stated his decision not to run for reelection, made an announcement on Tuesday that he will be stepping down from Congress by the end of next week.
“It has been a great privilege to represent the constituents of Colorado’s 4th District in Congress for the past 9 years,” expressed Buck in a heartfelt statement. “I am truly grateful for the overwhelming support and encouragement I have received from the people during my tenure.”
Buck’s departure will further reduce House Speaker Mike Johnson’s already slim majority. With his exit, Republicans will only have the leeway to lose two members of the conference in the event of a party-line vote on legislation.
“I am excited to continue my engagement in the political process, while also dedicating more time to Colorado and my family,” Buck stated. He chose not to provide additional details regarding his decision to not complete his term.
Buck, known for his conservative stance and occasional disagreements with Donald Trump, was among the eight Republicans who voted to remove former Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position. He cited concerns about McCarthy’s handling of spending matters as the reason for his decision.
McCarthy, on the other hand, decided to step down from his position in Congress before his term ended, bidding farewell to Capitol Hill in late 2020. Buck, in turn, threw his support behind Johnson, who was vying to take over McCarthy’s role.
He disagreed with his party on several issues, including their misleading claims about the 2020 election and the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
In a video released last November, Buck expressed his strong criticism of how his party has handled those two issues.
He expressed concern over the damaging impact of these deceptive narratives, emphasizing how they contribute to a growing sense of distrust and skepticism among Americans in regard to the legal system. According to him, it is crucial for the Republican Party to address the nation’s challenges and present a forward-looking plan rather than being consumed by a vengeful obsession with seeking retribution for perceived injustices of the past.
He has also raised doubts about the House’s impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and opposed the House’s impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Buck’s announcement comes in the midst of a surge of House retirements. Notable GOP departures at the conclusion of this Congress will feature Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger, China Select Committee Chairman Mike Gallagher, and Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
