GOP Rep. Ken Buck Announces Retirement, Leaving Republicans with Slim Majority

Republican Representative Ken Buck of Colorado’s 4th congressional district will retire from Congress next week, further narrowing the GOP’s majority in the House.

Following the resignation of Kevin McCarthy, Bill Johnson, and George Santos, the Republicans will be left with a razor-thin majority of 218-213.

Last November, Rep. Buck, often criticized as a RINO (Republican in Name Only), declared he wouldn’t seek reelection in 2024.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Buck announced his retirement from Congress at the end of next week.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of Colorado’s 4th District in Congress for the past 9 years. 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,” said Buck in a statement on Tuesday.

House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed shock at Buck’s sudden decision, telling reporters, “I was surprised by Ken’s announcement. I’m looking forward to talking with him about that.”

Buck’s departure adds to the list of over 20 House Republicans who have announced they won’t seek reelection in 2024, citing various reasons including frustrations with the direction of the Republican Party.

Buck, who has served since 2015, pointed to what he sees as dishonesty among GOP leaders regarding the 2020 election and the events of January 6th, 2021, as contributing factors to his decision.

“After careful consideration and much prayer, I have decided not to seek a 6th term in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Buck. “To the people of Colorado’s Fourth Congressional District, thank you for sending me to Congress. I’m grateful for your support.”

“As we have fought against the left’s policies that have had real-world consequences: defunding the police, politicizing student loans, provoking inflation with excessive spending, creating open borders, decimating our domestic energy production. Americans are rightfully concerned about our nation’s future and are looking to Republicans in Washington for a course correction. But their hope for Republicans to take decisive action may be in vain. Our nation is on a collision course with reality and a steadfast commitment to truth,” he added.