Wisconsin Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher will not seek reelection this November, he announced on social media Saturday.

Gallagher chairs the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party and has been a leading voice in the House on cybersecurity issues. He was first elected in 2016.

Gallagher’s vote against the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas earlier this week prompted reports of a possible primary challenge from a close Trump ally.

Gallagher told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he would enter the private sector at the end of his term, but would continue to focus on national security and defense policy.

In his statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, Gallagher said he had always intended to limit his congressional tenure and thanked his constituents.

“Though my title may change, my mission will always remain the same: deter America’s enemies and defend the Constitution,” he added.

Gallagher’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Mike is a mentor and friend & his chairmanship of @committeeonccp will undoubtedly better position the U.S. to compete with China longterm,” said Iowa GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson on X, calling it a “huge loss for Congress.”

Former Michigan lawmaker and Senate candidate Peter Meijer said Gallagher was the “most thoughtful and intelligent member” he had served with.

“Can’t overstate the loss this is to the House’s ability to smartly counter China and lead from the front on AI/cyber,” Meijer added.

Related posts:

Biden’s top scientist gets OK from Senate committee Patrick Leahy signals he’ll run for ninth Senate term 6 things to know about the Jan. 6 committee Bannon indictment does little to jumpstart Jan. 6 committee’s subpoena talks with top targets The Jan. 6 hearings’ missing man: Mike Pence Read: Liz Cheney’s opening statement at Jan. 6 select committee hearing Michael Fanone, DC officer assaulted by rioters, has low confidence hearings will bring change Former Twitter employee cautions impact of Trump’s Proud Boys tweet Sidelined by Covid, Schumer goes hard from Brooklyn How the sprawling GOP field of speakers contenders are making their case to a fractured conference The House GOP rivalry that will define the week Senate leaders finally reach agreement to begin voting on long-stalled three-bill spending package