The recent departures of several key Republicans from the House have reignited tensions within the party, raising concerns about the stability of their narrow majority.
**A Shrinking Majority**
When the 118th Congress began in January, Republicans held a slim majority of just nine seats. However, a series of departures, including the expulsion of Rep. George Santos, has reduced their advantage significantly.
**The Brush of Disaster**
The impending departures of Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Ken Buck (R-Colo.) have further diminished the Republican hold on power. Gallagher’s announced departure date, April 19th, falls after Wisconsin’s special election deadline, potentially leaving the seat vacant through 2024.
**Conservative Ire**
The timing of these departures has drawn fierce criticism from conservative colleagues, most notably from Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.). Norman questioned whether Gallagher’s decision was “a little strategic” and called on him to resign immediately.
**Greene’s Call for Expulsion**
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) went even further, suggesting that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) should expel Gallagher to trigger a special election. Greene argued that any “strong Republican” would take action in such a “delicate” situation.
**A Bleak Outlook?**
The departure of both Gallagher and Buck, coupled with the absence of ex-Rep. Bill Johnson, is projected to leave the GOP with a one-vote majority until a special election in June. This precarious situation has raised concerns about the potential for unforeseen events, such as health issues or tragedies, to tip the balance.
**Blaming the Far Right?**
While some have criticized the departing lawmakers, an anonymous GOP source suggested that blame also lies with hardline conservatives who have fueled dysfunction within the House. The source pointed to the disruptive tactics of certain members, including holding up votes and ousting ex-Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
**A Civic Crisis**
The source warned that the departures are a “cautionary tale” about the “toxicity and dysfunction” within the political system. They emphasized that Americans are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the state of politics and are “checking out.”
**Potential Gridlock**
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) expressed concerns about further “gridlock” in the wake of the departures. She criticized those who manipulate the system to prevent primaries and pointed out that such actions ultimately harm both the Republican Party and the American people.
