Green Bay, Wisconsin – Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) announced his resignation effective April 19, leaving the House GOP majority with a narrow one-vote margin. This decision will undoubtedly pose challenges for passing key legislation moving forward.
After Gallagher’s departure, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will face increased pressure as only one defection from his side will be tolerated on party-line votes. This fragile majority was evident recently when the House narrowly approved a $1.2 trillion spending bill.
Gallagher, who had already declared he would not seek reelection, cited family discussions as the reason behind his resignation. He currently leads the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, a responsibility he views as a high point in his career.
The Republican majority stands at a delicate five-seat margin, with Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) also resigning recently, further narrowing the gap. With Gallagher’s impending departure, only two Republicans have the leeway to defect during party-line votes, further emphasizing the importance of every vote.
The impending vacancies from resignations by both parties will continue to impact the balance of power, ultimately affecting the legislative landscape. Gallagher, representing Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District since 2017, has ensured his district remains solidly Republican.
In light of his decision not to seek reelection, Gallagher’s departure will mark the end of an era in Wisconsin politics. As the House navigates the repercussions of these resignations, the path forward remains uncertain, with each election holding the potential to tip the scales of power.