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In a development that further complicates Republican efforts to maintain control in the House, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) officially announced his resignation from Congress, effective July 20, dealing a fresh blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s fragile majority.

The departure of the influential lawmaker—who currently chairs the House Homeland Security Committee—lowers the GOP’s tally in the chamber to just 219 members, compared to the Democrats’ 212, with four vacancies and razor-thin margins that could stall major legislation.

“To my constituents across Tennessee’s 7th District—thank you. The trust you put in me is humbling,” Green posted on X Friday. “I will look back fondly on my years of serving as your voice in Washington.”

Resignation Comes Amid High-Stakes Legislative Push

Green’s resignation comes on the heels of a tense week in Congress, as Speaker Mike Johnson struggled to garner enough GOP support to pass President Donald Trump’s sweeping new legislative package, widely dubbed as the “megabill.” The reduced majority leaves Johnson with virtually no room for internal dissent and could derail the passage of upcoming bills without strong party unity.

Fox News reported that Green submitted his resignation in a letter to House Republican leadership, confirming the July 20 exit date.

Green Shifts from Politics to Private Sector

While Green has long signaled his intention to leave public office, the formal resignation comes with limited details about his next venture. In a video message posted on X, Green said he’s leaving politics to start a private business aimed at helping the U.S. compete against China’s Communist Party (CCP).

“While I cannot give the details here, I will be doing something specifically designed to help America compete against the CCP—but this time in business,” Green stated.

Green, a former Army flight surgeon and combat veteran, was first elected to Congress in 2018, filling the seat vacated by now-Senator Marsha Blackburn. He quickly rose through Republican ranks, ultimately chairing the Homeland Security Committee and becoming a trusted voice on immigration and national security.

Ripple Effects Inside the GOP and Beyond

Green’s departure is part of a wider pattern of Republican exits in recent months. Notably, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) stepped down to join the Trump administration, though his tenure was brief. Meanwhile, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a centrist, also announced his retirement—opening up a potential swing opportunity for Democrats in Nebraska’s Omaha-based district.

Although Green’s Tennessee district is solidly Republican and is not expected to flip, his exit underscores the growing internal strain within the party, as GOP leaders attempt to align behind Trump’s second-term vision.

A special election will be held to fill Green’s seat, though the date has yet to be announced. In the interim, Johnson faces a steeper uphill battle to maintain legislative momentum, especially with critical votes looming in late summer and early fall.

Bottom Line

Rep. Mark Green’s resignation couldn’t come at a more challenging time for Republican leadership. As the GOP tries to rally behind major legislative priorities and navigate internal fractures, every vote counts—and Green’s absence may be felt more than once in the weeks to come.