Colorado Representative Ken Buck (R) has stated that he will step down and not seek reelection. Rep. Buck's grievance is rooted in his disapproval of how House Republicans have held on to the narrative that the 2020 election was stolen.
"I always have been disappointed with our inability in Congress to deal with major issues and I'm also disappointed that the Republican party continues to rely on this lie that the 2020 election was stolen and rely on the January 6 narrative and political prisoners from January 6 and other things," said Rep. Buck in a statement to MSNBC.
The 64-year-old congressman joins other Republicans such as Utah Senator Mitt Romney (R) in not seeking reelection. In September, Sen. Romney announced his plans to end his time as Senator after 2025, calling for a "new generation of leaders" in the process.
"While I'm not running for reelection, I'm not retiring from the fight," said Sen. Romney. "I'll be your United States senator until January of 2025."
Buck's departure marks a shift in the Republican party. The GOP has faced increased infighting, with the election for speaker of the House being one of the most recent examples.
The Colorado representative refused to endorse Trump-supporting Representative Jim Jordan (R) of Ohio and, instead, endorsed Minnesota Representative Tom Emmer (R). However, Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA), who challenged the 2020 election's legitimacy, won the position of speaker of the House.
"Well, Tom and I both voted to certify the electors. It was a decision that I think was the right decision under the constitution," said Buck.
"Mike [Johnson] went to the supreme court with a challenge to the election. I think going to the courts is one thing. Trying to move the mob from the Mall up to the House floor and interrupting the congressional proceeding is a whole different issue."
Speaker Johnson was elected on Oct. 25, 2023, after three weeks of turmoil in the House of Representatives. The election process was marked by GOP infighting and a bevy of candidates. Now it is Johnson's turn to run the House. Yet, his time as speaker could be filled with angst and low financial support for GOP members.
From the time his campaign began to the beginning of 2023, Rep. Johnson has only raised $600,000. This small amount highlights what many would consider to be inexperience. Nevertheless, Johnson tried to assuage concerns.
