GOP Suffers Another Setback: Rep. Gallagher Will Resign from House

In a setback for Republicans’ slim House majority, Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., announced on Friday that he will resign from Congress before his term ends.

Gallagher had previously stated in February that he would not seek reelection after serving four terms in Congress, but he has now decided to leave Capitol Hill on April 19.

“I’ve cooperated with House Republican leadership on this timeline and anticipate the appointment of a new chair by Speaker Johnson to continue the important work of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party,” Gallagher said in a statement shared on X.

Following Gallagher’s resignation and Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., stepping down on Friday before the end of his term, Republicans will have a 217-213 House majority.

After Gallagher’s departure, the GOP can only afford one defection in any party-line vote, as additional defections would result in a failed bill.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., downplayed concerns about the reduced majority, stating that while it will be challenging, it will not be significantly more difficult than with a larger margin.

“We all need to collaborate,” he said, according to CBS. “We all need to come together to accomplish things.”

Reaction to Gallagher’s announcement on X was mostly negative, with some questioning his early exit from Congress and others accusing him of betraying his constituents.

“Great job waiting until after April 2nd to avoid a special election so your constituents would have a representative in office for 7 months until the November election!” Bryan Quinn commented. “Wisconsin is proud that you couldn’t leave now or complete your term.”

“Sellout – enjoy your 30 pieces of Silver,” Brad Morgan wrote, referring to the 30 pieces of silver Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus to the Pharisees.