Rep. Mike Gallagher’s (R‑WI) departure from the House on April 19 throws a wrench in the GOP’s small House majority because the date means the seat will be empty for the remainder of the term.
Gallagher, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he would not seek reelection in February, but his decision to leave early has prompted backlash because his replacement will not be elected until November.
“I’m disappointed. I think he should have finished out his term,” former Republican state Sen. Roger Roth, who declared his candidacy for Gallagher’s seat in February, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I think it’s unfortunate because it leaves a vacancy in Congress at, obviously, what could be a critical time.”
His departure also leaves House Republicans with just a one-vote majority, setting up another hurdle in the party’s hopes of getting any meaningful legislation passed this Congress because it means onl …