Rep. Mike Gallagher ( R., Wis. ) is planning to step down from Congress in April, before the end of his term, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter, a move that will narrow Republicans ‘ already razor- thin majority.
Gallagher, who chairs the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, had already said he would not be running for reelection in November. But his decision to leave Congress earlier means the seat will be unoccupied for a time before the next vote.
Spokespeople for , Gallagher , did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Republicans now hold a 219- 213 House lot. Republican member Ken Buck, however, is due to phase down on Friday, narrowing the bulk to four seats.
When , Gallagher , steps over, that will filter the lot more to 217- 213, meaning that Speaker Mike Johnson you only afford to lose one ballot in order to move legislation if Democrats remain united in opposition.
The turbulent Republican bulk has proven difficult to manage, and Johnson has consistently relied on Democrats to complete important steps, like a federal funding costs approved by the House on Friday. Anger over that led Republican hardliner Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene ( Ga. ) to threaten to call a vote to oust Johnson as speaker, six months after the party booted its prior leader, Kevin McCarthy.
Gallagher , communicated to team he may move down on April 19, said the options, who requested anonymity to discuss personal issues.
It was not immediately clear why he planned to step down early.
