Chairman of the House select committee on China, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) announced he's leaving Congress on April 19, which will temporarily leave House Republicans with just a one-seat majority.
Gallagher's decision not to seek a fifth term in the House was announced in February. His departure will have implications for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., as he can only afford to lose one GOP lawmaker on party-line votes. This situation will likely persist until June, when a special election is held to replace former Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio.
The upcoming special election in California's 20th Congressional District to replace ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy is expected to result in a GOP victory, given the district's safe red status. This win could help maintain the Republican Party's position in the House.
A special election to replace Rep. Brian Higgins, D-N.Y., whose departure earlier this year creates an opportunity for Democrats to potentially increase their majority in the House, will be held on April 30. This election outcome could impact the balance of power in the chamber, keeping the House majority at one seat for the Democrats.
If McCarthy's seat can remain Republican and Democrats keep Higgins' seat, this would maintain the majority at one, making the special election in June to replace Johnson the GOP's first chance to regain some leeway.
