Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) has announced his retirement from Congress next week, expediting his previously announced departure at the end of his current term.
Buck’s retirement will reduce the House GOP’s majority by one, bringing the count to 218 Republicans and 213 Democrats.
The big picture: GOP lawmakers will have a smaller cushion on party-line votes, making it harder to pass legislation going forward.
- Buck was one of eight Republicans to side with Democrats and oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker last year.
- A special election to fill Buck’s seat will take place between 85 and 100 days after he vacates the seat. The GOP nominee will be considered a favorite as former President Donald Trump won the district by more than 18 points in 2020.
What they’re saying: “It has been an honor to serve the people of Colorado’s 4th District in Congress for the past 9 years,” Buck said in a statement. “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 with my family.”
