Rep. Lauren Boebert Opts Out of Colorado Special Election

Rep. Lauren Boebert Declines to Run in Colorado Special Election

Republican congresswoman, Rep. Lauren Boebert, representing Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, has confirmed that she will not run in the special election to complete Rep. Ken Buck's term in the state's 4th Congressional District. Buck recently announced his resignation, which will take effect next week.

Despite her decision not to run, Boebert intends to serve out her current term in Congress and is running to replace Buck in the November general election.

The special election, ordered by Gov. Jared Polis, is scheduled to be held on June 25, coinciding with Colorado's primary elections for House races.

Boebert expressed her disagreement with Buck's choice to leave office, highlighting that the new elected representative in the special election will essentially be a "lame duck" from day one, serving for less than a year before the next general election.

This special election draws parallels to a previous occurrence in Colorado's history. In a similar fashion, Rep. Jack Swigert was elected in a special election but tragically passed away during his term, resulting in Rep. Daniel Schaefer being elected to serve out the remainder of Swigert's term.

Colorado has rarely witnessed special elections, with only one other notable occasion in recent memory. The state's political landscape remains relatively stable, but unexpected circumstances sometimes prompt the need for these special races.

Gov. Polis's Directive Aligns the Special Election with Primary Elections

Gov. Polis's decision to hold the special election on June 25, concurrently with the state's primary elections for House races, aims to consolidate the voting process and generate greater participation from Colorado's constituents. By combining the special election with the primary, the state government hopes to optimize resources and encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote.

Boebert's Commitment to Her Current Term

Rep. Boebert made it clear that she will not resign from her current seat, citing her responsibility to uphold the House Republican majority as a significant factor. By remaining in office, she aims to continue delivering on the priorities of her constituents.

While her decision not to run in the special election may disappoint some of her supporters, Boebert maintains that her focus remains on fulfilling her duties as the representative for Colorado's 3rd Congressional District.

Boebert Criticizes Buck's Resignation

The announcement of Rep. Ken Buck's resignation caught many by surprise. Boebert wasted no time in expressing her disapproval of his decision, noting that the new representative elected in the special election would assume a "lame duck" position from day one.

Boebert's criticism stems from the realization that the individual elected in June will hold the seat for a relatively short period unless they decide to run and win in the general election later this year.

The congresswoman's concerns for stability and continuity in representation have generated discussions among political analysts about the potential impact such a brief tenure could have on Colorado's political landscape.

Colorado's History of Special Elections

Colorado's limited history of special elections makes each instance particularly noteworthy. The upcoming special election, prompted by Buck's resignation, is a rare occurrence that will captivate the attention of political observers across the state.

One past example is the special election that witnessed the election of Rep. Jack Swigert. Unfortunately, Swigert's untimely death led to the appointment of Rep. Daniel Schaefer to serve the remainder of his term.

These events emphasize the importance of the upcoming special election and the potential implications it may have on both the state and the 4th Congressional District.

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As the upcoming special election continues to gain momentum, it is essential to remain informed about various news events that impact Colorado and its residents. From political developments to local issues affecting public health and beyond, CBS News ensures comprehensive coverage of the matters that shape our communities.