Has the Republican party lost the majority in the House?
Representative Mike Gallagher, hailing from Wisconsin and serving as the chairman of the House select committee on China, has declared his intention to step down from Congress effective April 19, 2024. This decision, made public in February, stunned many within the Republican Party, as Gallagher had been viewed as a prominent figure on the rise.
The departure of Gallagher will momentarily tip the balance in the House, leaving House Republicans with a precarious one-seat majority. Until June, when a special election is scheduled to fill the vacancy left by former Representative Bill Johnson of Ohio, Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana will need to navigate House votes with caution, as the loss of just one GOP member could sway outcomes along party lines.
Moreover, with a special election slated for May to replace former Speaker Kevin McCarthy in California’s 20th Congressional District, Republicans anticipate securing a victory, maintaining their hold on the seat. However, the imminent April 30 special election to fill the void left by the departure of Representative Brian Higgins, a Democrat from New York, may bolster the Democratic majority, thus preserving their narrow lead.
The upcoming June 11 special election in Ohio’s 6th Congressional District presents a pivotal opportunity for Republicans to potentially regain some legislative leverage. As Gallagher bids farewell to his congressional duties, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his constituents and assured continued operation of his office to fulfill constituent needs until the end of his term.
Gallagher’s decision to exit Congress comes in the wake of internal party strife following his vote against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This dissent within Republican ranks culminated in a primary challenge, with reports circulating that Alex Bruesewitz, an ally of former President Trump, is contemplating a bid for Gallagher’s vacant seat.
Bruesewitz’s potential candidacy has garnered support from various quarters, including notable endorsements from Representatives Matt Gaetz, Anna Paulina Luna, Jim Banks, and Cory Mills. As Bruesewitz mulls over his candidacy, meetings with local business leaders and encouragement from influential figures, including those close to Trump, underscore the momentum behind his potential bid.
The week of April 8 looms as a decisive period for Bruesewitz, as he deliberates on whether to formally announce his candidacy. His assertion of victory should he run underscores the confidence within his circle, setting the stage for a potentially consequential electoral contest in Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District.