Wisconsin Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher Announces Retirement from House

Wisconsin Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher, who has represented the 8th Congressional District in the House since 2017, announced on Saturday, February 10, 2024, that he will not seek re-election to his post. Gallagher, who served as a United States Marine Corps intelligence officer, made the announcement in a statement, expressing his gratitude for the support of the people of Northeast Wisconsin and his commitment to preventing World War III.

Gallagher’s statement read, “Eight years ago, when I first ran for Congress, I promised to treat my time in office as a high-intensity deployment. Through my bipartisan work on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, chairing the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, and chairing the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, we’ve accomplished more on this deployment than I could have ever imagined.”

The congressman went on to say, “But the Framers intended citizens to serve in Congress for a season and then return to their private lives. Electoral politics was never supposed to be a career and, trust me, Congress is no place to grow old. And so, with a heavy heart, I have decided not to run for re-election.”

Gallagher’s decision to retire comes after a handful of other Republicans recently announced their intentions to leave Congress. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., announced on Thursday, February 7, 2024, that she will not be seeking re-election to the House this year.

Gallagher’s current term expires on January 3, 2025. In comments provided to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Gallagher said he plans to leave Congress and enter the private sector to spend more time with his family.

“I really just feel like I’ve accomplished much more than I even thought I could when I set out, and I firmly don’t believe that the best use for the next chapter of my career is staying in Congress for another decade,” Gallagher told the outlet.

Gallagher’s mission to prevent World War III has been a central focus of his tenure in Congress. In a hearing of the House Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party Committee on Capitol Hill on January 31, 2024, Gallagher discussed the growing threat from China and the need to re-establish peace through strength.

“We need to re-establish peace through strength,” Gallagher said. “We need to deter China from engaging in aggressive behavior, and we need to deter China from engaging in aggressive behavior by making it clear that the cost of that behavior will be too high.”

Gallagher’s announcement was met with expressions of appreciation and well-wishes from his colleagues in Congress. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., tweeted, “Mike Gallagher is a dedicated public servant and a true patriot. He has been a strong voice for our country and a tireless advocate for our national security. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Gallagher’s retirement from the House marks the end of an era for Wisconsin politics. Gallagher’s departure leaves an open seat in the House, and the race to fill it is expected to be hotly contested.

In his statement, Gallagher expressed his gratitude for the support of the people of Northeast Wisconsin and his commitment to continuing his mission to prevent World War III, no matter what his title may be.

“Even though my title may change, my job may change, my mission is always going to remain the same,” Gallagher said. “My mission is to prevent World War III. I’ve dedicated myself to restoring conventional deterrence in order to prevent a war with China, and so whatever I do next will be an extension of that mission.”

Gallagher’s retirement from the House is a reminder of the importance of dedicated public servants and the need to continue working towards a peaceful and secure future for our country. As Gallagher moves on to the next chapter of his career, we wish him all the best and look forward to seeing the impact he will continue to make.

In conclusion, Wisconsin Republican Congressman Mike Gallagher announced his retirement from the House on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Gallagher, who has represented the 8th Congressional District in the House since 2017, expressed his gratitude for the support of the people of Northeast Wisconsin and his commitment to preventing World War III. Gallagher’s retirement leaves an open seat in the House and marks the end of an era for Wisconsin politics. Gallagher’s mission to prevent World War III will continue to be a central focus of his career, no matter what his title may be.