GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – It’s been almost two weeks since Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher shocked many by announcing he’d be resigning effective April 19.
Gallagher still hasn’t provided much explanation for his decision after only issuing a statement when announcing the decision on March 22.
In February, Gallagher announced he wouldn’t be running for re-election, but would serve the rest of his term, through the end of this year.
For Gallagher’s 7.5 years serving the 8th Congressional District in Washington D.C., Republican Glenn Grothman has been serving the 6th District immediately to the south.
“It really hurts us because we have such a small majority,” Grothman told FOX 11 about Gallagher’s decision.
Grothman says he was as caught off guard as anyone by Gallagher’s resignation.
“It’s unfortunate. He wasn’t the only one, but when you get elected you get elected for two years. Why are you going to run if you’re going to leave halfway through your term?”
FOX 11 asked Grothman if he tried talking Gallagher out of the decision.
“No,” said Grothman. “He just announced it. He kind of blindsided us.”
FOX 11 has asked to interview Gallagher multiple times since his resignation announcement. We haven’t had any success.
We did talk to him a little more than a month earlier than that when he also surprised by many by announcing he wouldn’t run for re-election.
“I’ve dedicated my life to the defense of this country, the defense of the constitution,” said Gallagher on February 10. “That is going to continue to be my north star.”
Multiple reports have said Gallagher has his next job lined up with Palantir, which builds advanced defense software for the U.S. and Allied military forces.
Under Wisconsin law, a special election would be required to replace Gallagher if he resigned before April 9. With his resignation date being April 19, Gallagher’s replacement will be decided with the regular November election.
The only announced candidates so far are Republicans State Sen. Andre Jacque and former state senator Roger Roth.
“It’s very difficult to have a district without representation, especially as we’re coming into another spending bill and some other weighty topics that are still going to be before congress before the end of the year,” said Jacque.
“When you run for public office, not only are you making that commitment to protect the constitution, you’re taking an oath really to the people of your district that you’re going to serve out your term, so I wish he would have finished that out,” said Roth.
Two more candidates could be jumping in the race soon to replace Gallagher.
Republican Alex Bruesewitz, who Donald Trump complimented at his Green Bay rally on Tuesday, says he will be making an announcement Monday night.
Democrat Kristin Lyerly says she will be making an announcement about the race today.
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