Republicans in the House face a crisis as Rep. Mike Gallagher’s sudden departure threatens their slim majority. Can they hold on, or is their power slipping away?

In a startling turn of events, Republican control of the House of Representatives is hanging by a thread after the unexpected resignation of U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI). Gallagher’s decision to step down ahead of schedule has sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill, further imperiling the already fragile GOP majority. “After conversations with my family, I have made the decision to resign my position as a member of the House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s Eighth Congressional District, effective April 19, 2024,” Gallagher announced in a press release Friday.

“I’ve worked closely with House Republican leadership on this timeline and look forward to seeing Speaker Johnson appoint a new chair to carry out the important mission of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. My office will continue to operate and provide constituent services to the Eighth District for the remainder of the term,” the statement continued.

Gallagher’s abrupt departure comes in the wake of his earlier announcement of retirement following controversy over his vote on a motion to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The motion passed with the deciding vote from Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) upon his return from medical absence.

The Republican majority, already on shaky ground, faces further erosion with Gallagher’s exit, reducing their numbers to a razor-thin 217 Republicans and 213 Democrats. This precarious balance leaves little margin for error, with even a single defection or absence potentially jeopardizing the party’s ability to pass legislation.

The situation has been compounded by the expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R-NY) over corruption allegations, resulting in the flipping of his seat to Democrat Rep. Tom Suozzi. Additionally, other Republican representatives, including former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Ken Buck, and Rep. Bill Johnson, have announced early departures, further straining the GOP ranks.

Special elections will be held to fill these vacant seats, but until then, the House will grapple with a tenuous majority, particularly as they await the special elections for McCarthy’s and Johnson’s seats in May and June, respectively.

Republicans find themselves in a high-stakes battle to maintain control of the House, but with each resignation and expulsion, their grip on power becomes increasingly tenuous. Will they weather the storm, or is their majority slipping away?