Gallagher resigning in April narrows GOP majority, opens chairmanships

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) announced his resignation today, effective April 19, from the House of Representatives, opening two key chairmanships and leaving Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) with a one-seat majority.

Gallagher, who has been a key advocate for defense modernization, announced last month that he would not be running for re-election, however, today said he will be ending his final term early.

“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,” Gallagher posted today in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Gallagher’s departure leaves open the chairmanship of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, which he currently holds. It also leaves open his chairmanship on the House Armed Services cyber, information technologies and innovation subcommittee.

“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,” his statement said. “It has truly been an honor to serve in the House of Representatives.”

Gallagher’s resignation leaves Republicans with a small majority of 217-213, meaning that if all Democrats vote together, Republicans can only allow one defection to maintain the majority. This tightens the margins even more on a majority that’s already been shrinking, most recently with Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) resigning Friday.

“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,” Gallagher wrote in his statement.

Gallagher said his office will continue operations to serve his constituents for the remainder of his term.

“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,” his statement said.