WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who announced last month he would not run for re-election, will resign from Congress early, he confirmed in a statement Friday.
Gallagher’s departure before the end of his term in January is another blow to Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Republicans, who have been struggling to govern and demonstrate stability in this Congress.
Two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News of Gallagher’s plan to resign early Friday. The Wisconsin Republican then released a statement announcing that he will depart April 19.
Gallagher informed Johnson of his decision earlier this week. Johnson, in a post on X, praised Gallagher’s “extraordinary work in the House” and for “courageously exposing the threat Beijing poses to the U.S.”
His resignation could cause more headaches for House Republicans. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., who also is not seeking re-election, is resigning from Congress on Friday, cutting the GOP’s minuscule majority to 218-213. When Gallagher leaves, the majority would further shrink to 217-213, meaning Republicans could only afford a single defection on any vote if Democrats vote together.
Article URL: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/republican-mike-gallagher-resign-early-house-majority-shrinks-rcna144672