Republicans in Congress continue sprinting for the exits as Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin announced his early resignation, further shrinking the already slim Republican majority in the House.
Gallagher’s unexpected departure on April 19 will leave Republicans with just a one-vote majority, with 217 House seats compared to the Democrats’ 213. This means the GOP can only afford one defection from the party line on votes when all members are present.
The four-term lawmaker, who serves as chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, provided no specific reason for his early exit, simply stating that he made the decision after conversations with his family. House Republican leadership was reportedly aware of his plans.
This latest exit comes amidst Republican disarray and division, highlighted by Speaker Mike Johnson’s push for a $1.2 trillion spending bill that led to a revolt within his own party. Representative Ken Buck of Colorado had previously announced his imminent resignation, catching Speaker Johnson off guard.
Despite the turmoil, Speaker Johnson had expressed hope that Gallagher’s departure would be the last for now. However, the ongoing frustration felt by many House Republicans in what they describe as a dysfunctional governing body may lead to more exits in the future.
Gallagher’s early resignation will make it even more challenging for Speaker Johnson to pass legislation without Democratic support, giving every Republican more leverage in the process. The current makeup of the House leaves little room for error, with almost no cushion to account for member absences.
As Democrats and Republicans prepare to fill vacant seats in the coming months, the balance of power in the House remains uncertain. Gallagher’s announcement coincided with Buck’s final day in office, as he too cut short his term, adding to the growing list of departing Republicans.
The ongoing exodus of Republican lawmakers raises questions about the party’s future in Congress and the challenges they will face in the upcoming election year.
