A panel of Colorado Republicans will choose a candidate to serve out the final months of U.S. Rep. Ken Buck’s term, potentially posing a challenge to Rep. Lauren Boebert’s bid for reelection. This unexpected development in a closely watched primary race for a district Boebert has not previously represented adds a level of complexity to the race. The selected candidate is expected to win the special election against the Democratic nominee and help maintain Republicans’ slim majority in the U.S. House. However, the decision could have broader implications as the committee is likely to choose one of Boebert’s current rivals in the Republican primary.
The candidate selected by the panel will be running in two separate races for the same seat until the June election, which could give them more visibility, media coverage, and fundraising opportunities. This situation benefits candidates who are lesser known and have smaller campaign funds compared to Boebert. Boebert has criticized the move, calling it interference and alleging a backroom deal to manipulate the election. Despite controversies, including a viral video of her inappropriate behavior, Boebert remains a polarizing figure with support from prominent conservatives like former President Donald Trump and current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
Boebert’s strong connections and backing from prominent Republicans could give her an advantage in the new district, where voters strongly supported Trump in 2020. While her opponents are relatively unknown local Republicans, the special election shakeup presents an opportunity for one of them to gain ground. The move to a new district by Boebert, following Buck’s decision not to seek reelection and his subsequent resignation, has raised questions about political maneuvering and accusations of “carpetbagging” from her primary opponents. Boebert defended her decision by stating that her voice is still needed in Congress and that her move would help Republicans retain the seat and their majority in the U.S. House.
The unexpected resignation of Ken Buck and the subsequent selection of a candidate to finish his term has added complexity to the primary race in Colorado’s congressional district. The selected candidate will face off against a Democratic nominee in a special election, potentially influencing the balance of power in the U.S. House. The decision by the committee to choose one of Boebert’s rivals has sparked criticism and accusations of election rigging. Nonetheless, the shakeup in the race presents an opportunity for a lesser-known candidate to gain visibility and support in the coming months leading up to the special election in June.
