By BRIAN PORTER | The Rocky Mountain Voice
BURLINGTON — Greg Lopez is embracing the role some have called a placeholder.
“You have some great Republican candidates looking to be your Congressman,” Lopez told Kit Carson Republicans gathered here Friday. “This special election is just about who will finish [ex-Rep.] Ken Buck’s term.”
Lopez is hoping to be selected to do just that in Colorado’s 4th District. He must first defeat Democrat Trisha Calvarese and Libertarian Hannah Goodman. In Colorado’s most red-leaning district, it does not figure to be a tall order for a Republican to be awarded the seat, even if just for six months.
“Apparently, my [Democratic] opponent is facing a challenge they don’t qualify,” Lopez said. “Now, this challenge is coming from their own party.”
The election of a Republican to the seat, Lopez says, is important because the Republican majority in the U.S. House has shrunk to just one seat since January 2023.
“We must win the special election,” Lopez said. “You must also take note of these great candidates who want to be your next congressman.”
He called for Republicans to cast a ballot in the special election, but also continue to weigh candidates vying for the party’s nomination in the primary at the same time as the special election. Election Day is June 25.