Republican representative to leave US House in April

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Republican US Representative Mike Gallagher announced that he will step down from the Congress on April 19, further narrowing House GOP majority.

"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 said in a statement.

Gallagher, who chairs the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, already said he would not be running for re-election in November.

"I’ve worked closely with House Republican leadership on this timeline and look forward to seeing Speaker (Mike) Johnson appoint a new chair to carry out the important mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party," he said.

"My office will continue to operate and provide constituent services to the Eighth District for the remainder of the term," Gallagher added.

According to Wisconsin law, congressional vacancies occurring "prior to the 2nd Tuesday in April" in an election year get filled on a faster timeline. An April 19 resignation will keep Gallagher's seat vacant until November.

The Republicans currently hold a 219-213 House majority. Republican Representative Ken Buck, who represents Colorado's 4th Congressional District, is set to step down on Friday.

When Gallagher steps down, that will narrow the majority further to 217-213.