WASHINGTON — Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., who has often defied his own party and declared himself last fall. wouldn’t look for it again–electionsaid Tuesday that he would resign from Congress at the end of next week, further reducing the GOP’s already razor-thin majority.
“Today I am announcing that I will be leaving Congress at the end of next week,” Buck said. statement. “I look forward to participating in our political process and spending more time in Colorado and with my family.”
His departure would reduce the Republican margin in the House to 218-213; Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will continue to have two votes to spare before Democrats need it to govern. But illnesses and other unexpected absences can make his already difficult job even more difficult.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the news broke, Johnson said he had not heard from Buck.
“I was surprised by Ken’s announcement. I look forward to talking to him about it,” the speaker said.
Other GOP colleagues said they were surprised by Buck’s decision. “It’s very surprising, very disturbing, very alarming, very troubling,” said Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas.
Buck is a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, but he has made a name for himself in Washington for often aligning himself with his party on key issues.
He criticized his fellow Republicans for repeating former President Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was rigged. He said he doubts Republicans have found any evidence that President Joe Biden has committed an impeachable crime. And faced numerous death threats of Ohio, a conservative, after declining to endorse key Trump ally Jim Jordan for speaker in October.
Recently, Buck left his party and was one of three Republicans National Security voted against the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas.
This is an evolving story. Please check for updates.