Staff Reports
In a calculated maneuver set to shake the political landscape of Colorado, a group of Republicans from the 4th Congressional District has thrown their support behind former Mayor Greg Lopez as the successor to former Rep. Ken Buck, who recently opted to step away from his congressional duties. This decision not only sets the stage for a significant shift in the district but also stands to bolster Rep. Lauren Boebert's aspirations for Buck's vacated House seat.
.@RepBoebert catches break with GOP selection of @RepKenBuck replacement https://t.co/sqqC98eQQl https://t.co/sqqC98eQQl
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 29, 2024
Lopez, the ex-mayor of Parker, Colorado, emerged as the chosen candidate by the Republican panel to contest the upcoming special election slated for June 25, following Buck's sudden departure from Congress on March 22. With the GOP's slim majority in the House already hanging in the balance at 218-213, this strategic move holds immense importance in preserving their foothold in Colorado.
Given the district's strong conservative leanings, Lopez is anticipated to secure victory on June 25 and fulfill the remainder of Buck's term until the turn of the year. However, Lopez has made it clear that he intends to step down once the winner of the general election is sworn in come January 2025, paving the way for Boebert's unhindered path without contending against an incumbent.
Boebert, renowned for her outspoken conservative stance, had initially eyed the 4th District seat but opted out of the special election race for Buck's remaining term. Instead, she gears up to face off against seven GOP primary contenders this summer in pursuit of the full-term position.
Among Boebert's primary challengers stands Adam Frisch, who narrowly missed out on victory against her in 2022 and now seeks a rematch in 2024. Yet, it appears Frisch poses a more formidable obstacle for Boebert this time around, with polling and fundraising figures indicating a tougher electoral battle ahead for the congresswoman.
Boebert's decision to pivot districts and vie for Buck's seat adds an extra layer of excitement to an already bustling political arena. The panel's preference for Lopez over alternative candidates like Jerry Sonnenberg has stirred some controversy, further intensifying the already charged political climate in Colorado.
Unsurprisingly, Boebert did not mince words in expressing her discontent, denouncing the panel's decision as a "swampy backroom deal" and stressing the imperative of a fair playing field in the upcoming primaries. Nonetheless, she has extended her congratulations to Lopez, signaling her readiness to tackle the forthcoming challenges head-on.
