Recall target state Sen. Pam Galloway, R-Wausau, announced her resignation Friday, an action that will result in Republicans losing absolute control of the Senate.
Galloway cited family health issues as her reason for leaving.
“My family has experienced multiple, sudden and serious health issues, which require my full attention,” said Galloway in a statement. “Unfortunately this situation is not compatible with fulfilling my obligations as state Senator or running for re-election at this time.”
The recall election against Galloway will continue as scheduled, with primaries May 8 if necessary and general elections June 5, according to a statement made by the Government Accountability Board.
GAB spokesperson Reid Magney said in a statement Galloway’s resignation does not stop the recall process against her, and a recall election to fill her seat will still be held without her name on the ballot.
Republican officials have mentioned Assembly members Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, and Mary Williams, R-Medord, as possible candidates to replace Galloway.
Galloway’s resignation means Republicans could lose their narrow 17-16 majority created by the summer 2011 recalls and result in an even 16-16 divide until a majority is established.
Although the legislative session has ended, the potential change in control will affect several committees, including the powerful Joint Finance Committee, because senate committees will now be equally split between Democrat and Republican members.
Galloway’s resignation could also affect legislative district maps as lawmakers await the decision of a panel of judges on the constitutionality of previously drawn maps.
If the judges find the maps were drawn inappropriately, they will likely be sent back to the legislature to be redrawn.
The current legislative session just ended; the split in the Senate would be significant if the legislature were called to a special session to pass iron ore mining regulations, a measure that previously failed.
However, the equal division of the Senate may not last long, as three Republican Senators face recall elections this summer and other members of the Senate face a general election in the fall.
