A tragic event in the state of Colorado has resulted in an empty seat in the State House, as a member standing unopposed for reelection has passed away.

On Sunday, Republicans in the Colorado State House revealed the untimely death of their minority leader, leaving the leadership post and a seat in the Democratic-controlled House vacant. Protocols suggest that it might take up to a month to schedule an appointment to fill the vacant seat. Absence of resistance in his bid to recover his seat as an incumbent indicates that he was viewed as a member-elect and not a contender; hence, an appointment is appropriate.

“On 10/30/2022, the Larimer County Coroner’s Office responded to Loveland, CO to investigate the death of a 55-year-old male. The decedent was identified as Colorado State Representative Hugh McKean of Loveland, CO. Rep. McKean was transported to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office where a forensic autopsy was performed,” the Larimer County Coroner website reported.

Given that he was seeking for re-election in the midterms of November, CBS News stated the following:

“McKean was working on his own re-election but was running unopposed in the District 51 race. Because he was unopposed, McKean will be considered a member-elect of the legislature, the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office explained. A vacancy committee will meet within a month of McKean’s death to begin the process of filling his House seat. That vacancy committee will be established by the Larimer County Republican Party in accordance with state statutes.”

An assistant confirmed in an email that House Minority Leader Hugh McKean passed away early in the morning at his residence. The death of state representative McKean, who was vying for a fourth term, was described as “tragic and sudden.”

According to a statement from Colorado House Republicans, funeral services are being arranged, and details will be made public once completed. The Larimer County Coroner’s Office did an autopsy and determined that McKean died of a heart attack.

The Republican party remembers one of its own. Kristi Burton Brown, chairwoman of the Colorado Republican Party, remarked that she and her family were “devastated” by McKean’s untimely passing.

“Hugh was a friend, a Republican leader, and a good man who worked for a better life for families all across Colorado,” Burton Brown wrote. “Whenever I saw him or spoke to him, he had an encouraging word and was ready to lift others up. Whenever I think of Hugh McKean, I’ll think of his smile and his positive outlook on life.”

Jeff Hunt, the co-chair of the Western Summit, tweeted: “Colorado House Minority Leader Hugh McKean was a great friend and multi-year winner of the Centennial Institute Faith, Family, and Freedom award. My heart is broken. Colorado lost a principled statesman. I will miss our conversations. My prayers are with his family and staff.”

Dee Dee, a candidate for Colorado State Representative, tweeted: “Today, Colorado lost one of its most passionate advocates, House Minority Leader Hugh McKean. I will remember Hugh for his openness, curiosity, intellect, Rapier sharp wit, and generosity. As Colorado mourns the loss of a great leader, I mourn the loss of a mentor and a friend.”

More on this story via The Republic Brief:

Rep. Kerry Tipper tweeted: “Hugh often described the House as a family. Today, we are reeling. All I can think of is Hugh’s kids. Your dad loved you with all of his being. He spoke of you often in the chamber. You brought him boundless joy & he was unwaveringly proud of you.” CONTINUE READING…