Here's how you can progress past him:
1. Defeat him in a Pokemon battle. This is the only way to clear the gym and progress in the game. He's an Electric-type specialist, so bring strong Ground, Grass, or Rock-type Pokemon to challenge him.
2. Earn the Thunder Badge. After defeating Lt. Surge, he will give you the Thunder Badge, which allows you to access the next part of your journey.
Remember, defeating gym leaders is an essential part of the game. They stand as obstacles to test your skills and reward you for your progress. You can't simply ignore or "get rid" of them to proceed.