Republicans are fleeing Congress to escape 'chaos and dysfunction': analysis

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) has often been described as a "rising star" in the GOP. But the conservative congressman, not to be confused with the right-wing radio host, has announced that he isn't seeking reelection in 2024 — not unlike Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colorado), Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and other Republicans who have decided against running again.

In an opinion column published on December 12, MSNBC's Steve Benen stresses that Gallagher's departure is symptomatic of a larger problem: the "chaos and dysfunction" within 2024's GOP.

"In terms of career prospects," Benen explains, "GOP insiders believed the sky was the limit for the 39-year-old congressman — that is, until last week….. The Wisconsin Democratic Party pointed to Gallagher’s decision to give up his seat as evidence that 'Speaker (Mike) Johnson and the House GOP are mired in chaos and dysfunction.' That seems more than fair given the circumstances."

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Benen adds, "An Axios report from Saturday added, 'Gallagher is the fourth Republican committee chair to announce their retirement in 2024 and the second just this week.'"

The MSNBC columnist argues that there is "no reason to believe" that the list of Republicans deciding against staying in Congress "won't continue to grow."

"Traditionally, there have been large numbers of retirements when members were worried about losing," Benen observes. "This year, there have been large numbers of retirements because members are worried about staying in an institution that appears incapable of working under Republican control."

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Steve Benen's full MSNBC column is available at this link.