Ryan Says He'll Serve Out His Term But Won't Run In 2018
(WPR)---Forward logo Print HTML logo Facebook logo Twitter logo Google+ logo
U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville says he won't seek re-election this year, telling reporters at a Wednesday press conference that he wants to spend more time with his family.
"My kids weren't even born when I was elected," said Ryan, who was first elected in 1998. "If I'm here for one more term, my kids will have only have known me as a weekend dad. I just can't let that happen."
Ryan said he will serve out his term and stay on as speaker for the next six months.
The news was first reported by the political news website Axios Wednesday morning. Ryan's retirement has been rumored since December when Politico spoke to dozens of people close to him. At the time, Ryan's office dismissed the report as "pure speculation."
His departure comes at a time when Republicans nationally face a difficult election cycle, leading some Democrats to believe they could flip control of the U.S. House, and maybe win Ryan's district in the process.
Already, two Democrats – ironworker Randy Bryce and retired teacher Cathy Myers – have been running to replace Ryan, on of the country's top ranking Republicans. Bryce's campaign, in particular, has seen a surge in national fundraising with Democrats pushing to oust the speaker.
Bryce's campaign issued a statement saying he was well positioned to win the district in November.
"Paul Ryan decided to quit today rather than face Randy Bryce and the voters," said campaign Communications Director Lauren Hitt. "Electorates far more conservative than Wisconsin's First have already elected Democrats in special elections in Wisconsin and across the country."
Ryan's decision could set off a skirmish among Wisconsin Republicans vying to replace him. Ryan has held the 1st Congressional District in southern Wisconsin since 1999.
Among those long thought to be interested in the seat should it open up is Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester. Vos issued a statement Wednesday praising Ryan, but he did not say whether or not he would run for his seat.
"I am happy for my friend and his family, but sad for the 1st Congressional District and our country because men like him don't come around often," Vos said in the statement.
President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican with whom Ryan often found himself at odds during the 2016 campaign, praised the speaker on Twitter, calling him a "truly good man" with a "legacy of achievement that nobody can question."
Donald J. Trump
✔
@realDonaldTrump
Speaker Paul Ryan is a truly good man, and while he will not be seeking re-election, he will leave a legacy of achievement that nobody can question. We are with you Paul!
8:50 AM - Apr 11, 2018
Wisconsin Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson also gave a statement lauding Ryan.
"Paul Ryan is a person of true integrity who I have had the great fortune to know over the last eight years," Johnson. "He has served Janesville, southeastern Wisconsin and our nation honorably. We should all be grateful for his sacrifice and understand his desire to be a full time dad."
Editor's note: This story was updated at 9:40 a.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2018, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.