Washington, D.C. — Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, who recently announced his decision not to seek re-election, has confirmed that he will resign from Congress earlier than expected. This unexpected move further complicates matters for House Republicans, struggling to maintain stability under Speaker Mike Johnson.
Gallagher’s early departure on April 19 comes as a surprise, particularly since he is the chairman of the select committee investigating the Chinese Communist Party. The 40-year-old Iraq war veteran also serves on the Intelligence Committee, making his resignation in the middle of his term quite unusual.
The decision to resign early adds to the challenges faced by House Republicans, especially with Representative Ken Buck of Colorado also leaving Congress on the same day. This departure narrows the GOP’s majority to a precarious 218-213. With Gallagher’s exit, the majority would shrink even further to 217-213, leaving Republicans vulnerable to potential defections during votes.
Despite his impressive background and committee leadership, Gallagher’s frustration with the Republican Party led him to break ranks with his colleagues on certain issues. His dissenting vote on the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas last month signaled his growing discontent with the party’s direction.
In the midst of key leaders like Gallagher not seeking re-election and others like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene challenging Speaker Johnson’s leadership, the Republican Party is facing internal turmoil. The ongoing shake-up within the party was further highlighted by Representative Kay Granger of Texas stepping down as chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee.
Amidst these shifting dynamics, Gallagher’s departure marks the end of an era for him in Congress. He expressed pride in his work on various committees and emphasized his commitment to serving the House of Representatives. As Republicans regroup and strategize on potential leadership changes, Gallagher’s early exit adds another layer of uncertainty to an already tumultuous political landscape.