Representative Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) made the announcement on Friday that he plans to step down from his position in Congress in April. This decision will further diminish the already narrow majority held by the Republican Party in the House of Representatives.
In a statement, Gallagher announced his resignation as a member of the House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District, effective April 19, 2024, after discussions with his family.
“I have collaborated closely with House Republican leadership to establish this timeline, and I am eager to witness Speaker Johnson’s appointment of a new chair to fulfill the crucial mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party,” he expressed. “Throughout the remainder of my term, my office will continue to function and deliver essential services to the Eighth District constituents.”
According to Wisconsin law, if Gallagher follows through with his resignation timeline, his seat cannot be filled until after the November election.
The Supreme Court has outlawed Affirmative Action, and it is imperative for Congress to adhere to this decision.
If he were to step down before the second Tuesday in April, the state would have the opportunity to hold a special election before November in order to fill his empty seat.
Gallagher’s decision to resign further reduces the Republican Party’s already limited control of the lower chamber.
With his exit, the Republican majority in the House will decrease to 217-213. This implies that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) can only afford to lose one Republican member during a vote, given that Democrats vote strictly along party lines.
The Senate has successfully passed a federal spending bill worth $1.2 trillion, effectively putting an end to a brief partial government shutdown that occurred after the deadline.
After the 2022 midterm elections, the Republicans secured a majority of 222 seats, with the Democrats holding 213 seats.
Gallagher, who currently serves as the chairman of the select committee that is investigating the Chinese Communist Party, joins the growing list of Republican members who have chosen to leave Congress at an early stage.
Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) will be resigning from his position on Friday.
In January, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) stepped down from his position.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, departed from his position at the end of last year following his removal from the leadership role in the lower chamber.
Former Republican Representative George Santos from New York was expelled from office after facing charges of fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements. Subsequently, he was replaced by Democrat Tom Suozzi.
Several other Republican House members have also made the decision to retire at the end of the year. This includes notable figures such as House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairwoman, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), House Financial Services Chairman, Patrick McHenry (R-NC), and House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman, Kay Granger (R-Texas).
In a heartfelt statement, Congressman Gallagher expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Northeast Wisconsin in Congress for four terms. He emphasized that this experience has only reinforced his unwavering belief in the greatness of America, which he considers to be the greatest country in history. Gallagher also expressed immense pride in the significant contributions he made during his tenure, particularly through his work on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. Additionally, he highlighted his role as the chairman of both the Cyberspace Solarium Commission and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, underscoring his commitment to addressing critical national security and global challenges.
Serving in the House of Representatives has been a genuine honor.
Representative Gallagher, a member of the House of Republicans, made the decision to cast his vote against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. It is worth noting that Gallagher had recently declared that he would not be running for re-election in 2024.
