Congress was stunned this week after a rising star in the Republican Party announced his early resignation.
Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) shocked his colleagues by announcing he'll be leaving Congress on April 19 -- much sooner than expected after he announced in February that he wouldn't seek a fifth term in Congress.
The bombshell announcement doesn't bode well for the already razor-thin GOP majority, as his exit next month will leave the party with only a one-member majority.
That means Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will not be able to afford to lose more than one GOP member on major pieces of legislation.
In a statement released Friday afternoon, Gallagher explained -- vaguely -- why he decided to call it quits earlier than expected.
"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's statement read.
BREAKING - GOP SABOTAGE: Republican Congressman from Wisconsin Mike Gallagher just announced that he is resigning from Congress effective April 19, 2024, citing family considerations, but only after it is impossible to hold a special election.
NOTE: His departure further… pic.twitter.com/YAk4iElVSQ
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 22, 2024
He insisted that he would continue to provide services to his constituents until his term expired.
"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. My office will continue to operate and provide constituent services to the Eighth District for the remainder of the term."
Fox News noted the timing of his departure:
Gallagher announced his departure from Congress just after he experienced blowback from members of his own party for not voting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Gallagher was one of three Republicans who voted against the measure.
Social media users offered mixed reactions to Gallagher's announcement.
"Gallagher announced his departure from Congress just after he experienced blowback from members of his own party for not voting to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Gallagher was one of three Republicans who voted against the measure," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "The deep state's plan is working. Everyone is involved. The Democrats want to control the House and the Senate so they won't certify Trump's election when he wins. Or if they do, will give him a hard time during his term."
Reportedly, Gallagher's seat is already being eyed up by Trump's people. Only time will tell who fills it.
