The House majority of the Republicans has suffered another setback with the recent announcement of Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) resigning from Congress next month. Gallagher’s unexpected decision will reduce the already narrow majority that the Republicans hold in the House of Representatives, leaving them with only a one-seat advantage. The congressman disclosed on Friday that his resignation will take effect on April 19.
Mike Gallagher QUITTING Congress early leaves House Republicans with a ONE SEAT Majority.
It is unbelievably selfish move.
He also just voted for the $1.2T America Last omnibus bill.
What a giant FU to the great patriots of #WI08 and the entire Republican Party!
— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) March 22, 2024
Rep. Mike Gallagher has announced he is resigning his Congressional seat effective April 19.
This is calculated. Gallagher could leave now, and allow his safe Republican seat to be filled quickly. Instead, he is deliberately leaving on a timeline that will leave it empty until…
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 22, 2024
Gallagher’s decision to not seek re-election comes in the wake of his announcement last month. This announcement followed his pivotal vote against impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary under Democrat President Joe Biden. The impeachment aimed to hold Mayorkas responsible for the border crisis. On Friday, Gallagher revealed his plan to resign next month, a decision that has been met with criticism for being strategic.
In a statement, Gallagher said:
“After conversations with my family, I have made the decision to resign my position as a member of the House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District effective April 19, 2024.
“I’ve worked closely with House Republican leadership on this timeline and look forward to seeing Speaker Johnson appoint a new chair to carry out the important mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party,” he continued.
“My office will continue to operate and provide constituent services to the Eighth District for the remainder of the term.”
Gallagher’s exit will result in the Republican Party holding a 217-213 majority, necessitating the party to prevent any more than one defection in order to retain its advantage over the Democrats during voting.
In concluding his announcement, Gallagher said:
“Four terms serving Northeast Wisconsin in Congress has been the honor of a lifetime and strengthened my conviction that America is the greatest country in the history of the world.
“I will forever be proud of the work I did on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, chairing the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, and chairing the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
“It has truly been an honor to serve in the House of Representatives.”
