Washington — Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin made public on Friday his decision to resign in April, further reducing the already slim Republican majority in the House.
Gallagher, who serves Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District, revealed that he will be stepping down from Congress on April 19, opting not to complete his term until January. His departure means that Republicans can afford to lose only one vote if all Democrats remain united.
"I have collaborated closely with House Republican leadership to establish this timeline and am eager to witness Speaker Johnson appoint a new chair to continue the crucial mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party," he stated.
Gallagher joins the ranks of other Republicans who have resigned before the end of their terms, as the GOP majority faces challenges in governing due to internal conflicts. Rep. Ken Buck, a Republican from Colorado, will also be stepping down on Friday.
Back in February, Gallagher declared that he would not seek reelection after receiving backlash for breaking ranks with his party to vote against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Gallagher argued that the impeachment was establishing "a dangerous new precedent that could be used against future Republican administrations."
Gallagher, the leader of the House Select Committee on China, known for its collaborative efforts, recently proposed a legislation that could potentially result in the prohibition of TikTok. The bill swiftly passed through the House earlier in the month.
