A panel of Colorado Republicans will choose a candidate to serve out the final months of U.S. Rep. Ken Buck’s term, which could potentially challenge Rep. Lauren Boebert’s bid for reelection. This decision is expected to reinforce Republicans’ slim majority in the U.S. House. The panel is likely to select one of the current Republican primary candidates who are vying for the same seat, as Boebert opted to finish her current term in a different district. This candidate will run in two separate races for the same seat until the June election, providing them with increased visibility and fundraising opportunities.
Boebert criticized the panel’s decision, calling it interference and accusing them of rigging the election. She has built a far-right name for herself and remains a divisive figure among conservatives nationwide. Despite facing scandals, including a controversial incident in a theater, Boebert has garnered endorsements from former President Donald Trump and current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. By continuing to run in a different district, Boebert believes she can ensure that Republicans retain the seat and their majority in the U.S. House.
Rep. Ken Buck’s decision not to run for reelection last year set off a chain of events that led to the current situation. He cited his party’s treatment of Trump as a reason for his departure. Subsequently, Buck resigned earlier this month, stating that the “bickering and nonsense” in the U.S. Capitol contributed to his decision to leave Congress on March 22. This unexpected turn of events has added complexity to an already contentious primary race in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
The panel’s selection of a candidate to serve out Buck’s term is expected to have broader implications beyond the immediate race. By choosing one of the current Republican primary candidates, the panel could establish that candidate as a formidable challenger to Boebert’s bid for reelection in the upcoming election. This decision may affect the balance of power within the U.S. House and could shape the future of the Republican Party in Colorado. The candidate chosen by the panel will have access to increased media coverage and fundraising opportunities, potentially shifting the dynamic of the primary race.
The outcome of the panel’s decision will have significant implications for the future of Colorado politics and the Republican Party. By selecting a candidate to serve out Buck’s term, the panel has the power to influence the balance of power within the U.S. House and shape the direction of the Republican Party in the state. This decision comes at a critical time for both Boebert and her challengers, as they vie for support in a highly competitive primary race. The eventual winner of both the special election and the upcoming congressional race will play a crucial role in determining the future of Colorado’s representation in Washington, D.C.
