Colorado House Minority Leader, Hugh McKean, passed away unexpectedly last week just one week before election day. A heart attack was identified as being the cause of death for the 55 year old McKean. Representing House District 51 for six years, McKean was running unopposed on his way to another two year term.  

The Loveland Republican will be replaced by a vacancy committee set up by the Larimer County Republican Party in the upcoming month. There are currently a handful of Republican house members set to replace McKean as House Minority Leader. Before McKean’s death, Representative Mike Lynch and Richard Holtdorf were set to be by McKean’s side for the next term as Assistant Minority Leader and House Minority Whip respectively. 

McKean received condolences as well as praise from both sides of the aisle in Colorado politics. Democratic Governor, Jared Polis, called McKean a “true public servant” while Republican House Representative, Colin Larson, called McKean a “dear friend.” US Senate hopeful, Joe O’Dea, speaking at a recent rally said McKean contained “boundless optimism, kindness and empathy”. 

State House Republicans will now look forward to election night where they hope to gain back seats and reduce an eighteen-seat Democratic majority. Hugh McKean is survived by his wife and two adult children. A funeral service will be held on Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at Resurrection Fellowship Church, 6502 E. Crossroads Blvd., Loveland.