Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) declared that he will depart from the House before his term finishes, but under Wisconsin law, his seat will remain unfilled until November.
CBS News stated:
Gallagher, who represents Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, indicated he would exit Congress on April 19, instead of staying until January to finish his term. His departure means Republicans can only afford to lose one vote if all Democrats stick together.
“I’ve collaborated closely with House Republican leadership on this timeline and am eager to see Speaker Johnson appoint a new chair to carry out the crucial mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party,” he said in a statement.
The issue for Republicans is that Wisconsin law specifies that congressional vacancies occurring before the second Tuesday in April qualify to be filled on an expedited timeline. After the second Tuesday in April, the seat will remain vacant until the November election.
House Republicans are now just one vote from losing their majority. If a member falls ill, is absent, or another Republican suddenly quits, the House GOP will no longer have the majority.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to vacate presents a significant issue for House Republicans, but they could just as easily lose their majority if another disillusioned person gives up and leaves.
It would be appropriate if this group of Republicans lost their majority before election day.
