By Ernest Luning | SOURCE: COLORADO POLITICS
State House Minority Leader Mike Lynch, a Republican candidate in Colorado’s open 4th Congressional District, was arrested in 2022 on suspicion of drunken driving and being in possession of a gun while intoxicated, law enforcement records show.
The Wellington lawmaker is one of 11 Republicans running for the seat held by retiring U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, a Windsor Republican serving his fifth term. The crowded primary field also includes U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, who announced in late December that she will run this year in the heavily Republican 4th CD rather than seek reelection in the more competitive district she represents.
Lynch, serving his second term, was elected to lead House Republicans about six weeks after the arrest, following the unexpected death of Loveland Republican Hugh McKean, who had been the chamber’s minority leader.
Charged with driving under the influence, speeding and prohibited use of a weapon, Lynch pleaded guilty in December 2022 to the misdemeanor firearms charge and driving while ability impaired, a lesser offense, according to court records released by Lynch.