In an unexpected turn of events, Colorado State Sen. Janet Buckner, an Aurora Democrat, has decided to step down from her legislative position effective January 9. Despite having recently sailed unopposed into reelection on November 5, Buckner is set to leave her post alongside fellow Democrat and State Sen. Chris Hansen of Denver, who also just secured another four-year term. Buckner cited the need to focus on her family and her health as fundamental reasons for her departure. "After a personally challenging year, it is time for me to step aside and prioritize my family and health," she said, as obtained by 9NEWS.
Hansen's resignation coincides with Buckner's, set to take effect on the same day. This dual exit comes alongside his new role as CEO of La Plata Electric Association in Durango, a decision that was announced unexpectedly one week following his reelection victory. This surprising career move leaves the legislature to again swiftly find replacements for two of its members in leadership, a reoccurrence becoming more familiar in the state's political landscape.
With the departure announcements of Buckner and Hansen leaving a palpable vacancy in Colorado State politics, the Colorado Democratic Party has been prompted into a call for reform. The party's chairman, Morgan Murib, responded to the situation by emphasizing the necessity for a fair selection process for successors. "The Colorado Democratic Party is committed to running a neutral process for these vacancy committees, and will strive to ensure that every candidate is treated fairly and has to vigorously compete to serve," Murib remarked, as per Denver7.
The surprise turn of events has undeniably stirred the waters of Colorado politics, obliging the Democratic Party to confront not just the task of filling seats but to reconsider the process itself. It remains to be seen how this will affect the already engrained practices within the political fabric of the state. In the meantime, as reported by The Denver Post, vacancy committees are expected to convene in due course to select replacements for the resigning senators, assuring that the democratic process continues unimpeded.
