Former Mayor Greg Lopez of Parker, Colorado, has been chosen as the Republican nominee to replace former Rep. Ken Buck in the upcoming special election. The election, scheduled for June 25, will fill the remainder of Buck's term.

Lopez, who previously ran for governor in 2018 and 2022, emerged as the preferred candidate after receiving 51 votes from a Colorado Republican panel. His opponent, Logan County Commissioner Jerry Sonnenberg, secured 46 votes during the selection process held in Hugo, Colorado, according to The Denver Post.

In a statement to Colorado Public Radio, Lopez emphasized that he is not seeking to hold the office long-term, but rather aims to fulfill the remaining six months of Buck's term. "Tonight, it's not about giving an individual advantage over their competition," Lopez said regarding his nomination.

Democrats are set to nominate their candidate on Monday for the special election. However, they face an uphill battle in the 4th Congressional District, which leans towards the GOP.

Tom Wiens, the leader of the 4th District's central committee, expressed confidence in Lopez's candidacy, citing his previous campaigns and popularity across the state. "Greg knows a lot of people from when he ran for office," stated Wiens. "He garnered a lot of goodwill from around the state. People knew him and trusted him."

Although Rep. Lauren Boebert of the neighboring 3rd Congressional District announced her intention to run for Buck's seat, she opted not to compete in the special election. Boebert will instead participate in the June primary.

As the special election approaches, all eyes will be on the race to determine who will succeed Ken Buck and represent the 4th Congressional District.