Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) announced last month that he would be leaving Congress sooner than anticipated. He issued a generic statement saying it’s been an incredible honor to serve in the House, and that he spoke with GOP leadership on the timeline. Many conservatives wondered why he didn’t just leave upon announcing his decision, rather than wait until April 19, when, under Wisconsin law, his seat will stay vacant until November instead of getting filled faster.
WOW! Like Buck, Mike Gallagher carefully timed his departure. Under Wisconsin law, congressional vacancies occurring "prior to the 2nd Tuesday in April" in an election year get filled on a faster timeline. An April 19th resignation will keep Gallagher's seat vacant until November pic.twitter.com/7VxSv4Bld5
— Aaron Fritschner (@Fritschner) March 22, 2024
While the lawmaker did not address those criticisms, he did offer a few more comments to reporters about his early departure.
In one of his last acts in Congress, the Republican -- who represents Wisconsin's 8th District -- chaired a House Select Committee hearing on China's possible connection to fentanyl overdose deaths in the U.S.
After the hearing, Gallagher spoke with reporters about the hearing and the end of his time in Congress.
Rep. Gallagher said, "This is more just me wanting to prioritize being with my family. I signed up for the death threats and the late night swatting, but they did not. And for a young family, I would say this job is really hard."
FOX 11 reached out to Gallagher's office about his comments on death threats and late night swatting calls. It's unclear if any specific incident led to his early resignation.
However, FOX 11 did confirm through the Brown County Sheriff's Office -- which patrols Allouez, where Gallagher lives -- a case number was assigned late last year to a swatting incident related to Gallagher. (MSN)
While Friday was set to be Gallagher's last day in Congress, an aide to the lawmaker said he "has the flexibility to stay and support the [foreign] aid package on Saturday."
