In a surprising announcement, Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) declared on Wednesday that he will not seek reelection next year, expressing his disappointment with fellow Republicans who continue to propagate the unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Buck's decision adds to a growing number of Republican lawmakers who are opting not to run again, highlighting the deep divide within the party.

Speaking to MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell, Buck stated, "I have decided that it is time for me to do some other things. I always have been disappointed with our inability in Congress to deal with major issues, and I'm also disappointed that the Republican Party continues to rely on this lie that the 2020 election was stolen."

The announcement came shortly after Rep. Kay Granger (R-Tex.) declared that she too would not seek reelection next year. Both Buck and Granger had opposed Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) for the speakership, which drew criticism from the hard-right faction of the Republican base. Their resistance ultimately led to Jordan's withdrawal from the race, and Buck and Granger subsequently endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for the leadership position.

Buck hinted that more Republican lawmakers might soon follow suit and announce their departure from Congress. This wave of retirements further underscores the contentious dynamics within the party and the divergent paths being taken by its members.

In recent months, Buck has clashed with the majority of the Republican conference, notably for opposing his party's impeachment inquiry into President Biden. In a September op-ed for The Washington Post, he criticized the inquiry as being based on "imagined history" and stressed the importance of relying on solid evidence in such serious proceedings.

Buck's dissenting stance continued when he voted alongside Democrats to remove Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from the speakership last month. His defiance against the election denialism propagated by Jordan ultimately led to backlash, including death threats and an eviction notice from his office in Colorado.

During his interview with Mitchell, Buck emphasized the need for addressing uncomfortable truths and combating the misinformation that is being spread. He expressed hope that the Republican Party can unite behind critical issues, including funding for Israel and Ukraine, as well as passing a stopgap funding bill to prevent a government shutdown on Nov. 17.

As the 2024 presidential campaign looms, Republicans are already positioning themselves as contenders for the party's nomination, with former president Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis among the top names. However, the fractures within the GOP and the departure of influential lawmakers like Buck raise questions about the party's future direction and ability to unify in the coming years.

As for the Democratic Party, President Biden is expected to seek reelection in 2024, sparking speculation about potential challengers and the party's prospects moving forward.

In a time defined by political polarization and ideological divisions, the decisions made by figures like Rep. Ken Buck serve as reflections of the broader challenges faced by the nation's two major parties. With the 2022 midterm elections looming, the shifting dynamics within the GOP continue to shape the political landscape, setting the stage for a potentially contentious and pivotal electoral cycle.