Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) has announced his resignation effective April 19, which will leave the House GOP majority with a one-vote margin, making it even more challenging to pass legislation. Under Wisconsin law, Gallagher’s seat is expected to remain vacant until January, with the winner of the November general election filling his position. The slim majority in the House has been evident in recent votes, such as the passage of a $1.2 trillion spending bill by a narrow margin.
Gallagher, who had already stated he would not seek reelection, made the decision to resign after discussions with his family. As the current chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, he expressed satisfaction with his work and feels like he is leaving on a “high note.” With his departure, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will be able to afford only one defection on party-line votes, further highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for the GOP majority in the House. The resignation of Gallagher, along with that of another Republican, further narrows the majority and reduces the margin for error on conservative legislation passing through party-line votes.