Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) made the announcement on Friday that he plans to step down from Congress in April. This decision will further reduce the already limited majority that Republicans hold in the House of Representatives.

In a statement, Gallagher announced his resignation as a member of the House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District, effective April 19, 2024. He made this decision after discussions with his family.

“I have collaborated extensively with House Republican leadership to establish this timeline and eagerly anticipate Speaker Johnson’s appointment of a new chair to fulfill the crucial mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party,” he emphasized. “Throughout the remainder of my term, my office will continue to operate diligently, ensuring the provision of essential constituent services to the Eighth District.”

According to Wisconsin law, if Gallagher follows through with his resignation timeline, his seat cannot be filled until after the November election.

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If he decides to step down before the second Tuesday in April, the state would have the opportunity to organize a special election before November to fill his empty position.

Gallagher’s decision to step down diminishes the Republican party’s already limited influence in the lower chamber.

With his departure, the GOP majority in the House will decrease to 217-213. This means that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) can only afford to lose one Republican member on any specific vote if Democrats vote along party lines.

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Following the 2022 midterm elections, the Republican party secured a majority of 222-213.

Gallagher, the chairman of the select committee that is investigating the Chinese Communist Party, is the most recent in a series of Republican Party members who have chosen to leave Congress prematurely.

Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) will be resigning from his position on Friday.

In January, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) decided to step down from his position.

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After being removed from his position as the top leader in the lower chamber, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) departed at the end of last year.

Former Republican Representative George Santos from New York was expelled from office following his indictment on charges of fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making false statements. As a result, Democrat Tom Suozzi took over his position.

A number of Republican House members have revealed their plans to retire at the end of this year. Notable individuals among them include Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Kay Granger (R-Texas), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee.

Congressman Gallagher expressed his deep gratitude for the privilege of serving Northeast Wisconsin for four terms. He firmly believes that America is the greatest nation in history and is immensely proud of his contributions on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. Additionally, he takes pride in chairing the Cyberspace Solarium Commission and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in the House of Representatives. It has been an incredible privilege.”

Representative Gallagher, who was one of the three House Republicans to oppose the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, had previously stated that he would not run for re-election in 2024.

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