Paul Nehlen: "As I have said many times before, I was a supporter of Paul Ryan's when I moved to Wisconsin in 2008, and remained so through the 2014 elections. It was in 2015, when I discovered Mr. Ryan was whipping votes for the horrible, job killing Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal, that we parted ways and I threw my hat into the ring. That said, I wish Mr. Ryan health and prosperity in his retirement, and plenty of time with his family here in Wisconsin. For all the things Paul Ryan accomplished, I think we can all agree that securing the border was not one of his priorities. Indeed, after twenty years in Congress, the border is still not secure. We need a well-defended double fence, or a wall, every step of the way from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean; otherwise, you cannot effectively deport anyone from this country. Just ask the Golvach or the Steinle families. They lost their children, Spencer and Kate, to 4x and 5x previously-deported criminal illegal aliens. Moreover, beyond fighting for good bilateral trade deals to ensure American workers’ prosperity, and for the security of our great Nation and its citizens, I have introduced a revolutionary proposal to effectively extend Americans’ First Amendment free speech protections to major social media platforms. The proposal is called #ShallNotCensor, and it will put a stop to all of the Orwellian censorship that is being used to increasingly silence Republicans and unfairly influence elections in favor of Democrats. I remain the only candidate who has put forward a straightforward, light-touch federal statute that will guarantee the protection of lawful speech in what the U.S. Supreme Court has recognized as the new de facto public square. The importance of this issue cannot be overstated, as internet censorship by the left is an existential threat to the Republican Party."
Rep. Samantha Kerkman: “Having known Paul since his first run for office, I have long-admired his work and appreciated first-hand his contributions in making Wisconsin’s first congressional district a wonderful place to live. The decision to not see re-election is one he hasn’t taken lightly and as a mom of two boys myself, I understand how deeply satisfying it will be for his family to have Paul home. While this represents a huge leadership loss to the district, I have the warmest wishes for him, Janna, and the kids as he charts his next chapter."
Democratic Party of Wisconsin's Chair Martha Laning: “There are three patterns Republicans are following in this divisive, unAmerican age of Donald Trump -- follow him, fight him or quit. Ryan is leaving, some Republicans on the national stage are willing to fight him while here in Wisconsin Scott Walker has chosen to follow the toxic GOP brand. His retirement is an admission by Speaker Ryan that his constituents do not approve of tax cuts for the rich at the expense of Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security. Ryan could not win over his constituents to his damaging tax plan, let alone the nation."
Gov. Walker: "As dear friends of Paul and Janna for more than 20 years, Tonette and I simply say “thank you” to them and their family. On behalf of the more than five and a half million people of Wisconsin, we thank them for their deep dedication and service to our state and our country. While Paul leaves behind a far-reaching, reform-minded legacy and a long list of achievements in Congress, I believe this is just the beginning for him."
Brad Courtney, Chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin: “I first met Paul Ryan at the house of Waukesha County Chairman Don Taylor in 1998. He was and still is one of the most classy, down-to-earth people you will ever meet – treating everyone with dignity. Whether it was serving as Mitt Romney’s Vice Presidential nominee, chairing two committees, or most recently as Speaker, Paul Ryan has accomplished things that have made us incredibly proud. Paul Ryan has been a passionate advocate for Wisconsin and a dedicated public servant for two decades. A tireless fighter for conservative principles, Paul was an ideas guy who was always fighting for hard-working Wisconsin families. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Paul for everything he has done for Wisconsin and the Republican Party. Wisconsin Republicans are committed to keeping this Congressional seat and I am confident that our eventual nominee will uphold Paul Ryan’s legacy of principled, conservative leadership.”
Kim Travis, Chair of the First District Republican Party: Paul has been a friend, a leader, and a phenomenal representative for Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District, so today’s announcement is very much bittersweet. We appreciate his decades of service to his district and his unwavering dedication to fight on our behalf. We were honored to have Paul represent us in the House of Representatives for the past twenty years and wish him and his family well as they look forward to a new chapter in January. Republicans in Southern Wisconsin are united both in their respect for Paul Ryan and in their commitment to electing another capable conservative who can represent us in Congress.
Lauren Hitt, Communications Director for Randy Bryce: "Paul Ryan decided to quit today rather than face Randy Bryce and the voters. With nearly $5 million raised to date, a strong field program aided by organized labor, a broad coalition of support locally and nationally, Randy Bryce is incredibly well positioned to be the next representative for the First District. Electorates far more conservative than Wisconsin's First have already elected Democrats in special elections in Wisconsin and across the country. WI-01 is far less conservative than many districts that have already turned blue, in and outside of Wisconsin, this year. PA-18 went to Trump by nearly 20 points and it's rated by The Cook Political Report as an R+11 district. WI-01 is rated R+5 and Trump won the district by just 10 points. Senate District 10 in Wisconsin, which went to Trump by 17 points, also flipped blue in a special election in January of this year. The Bryce campaign has organized a robust, grassroots campaign. Randy has raised $4.75 million to date, with 75 percent of those donations coming in small-dollar increments of $200 or less. That support allowed the campaign to begin airing TV ads in the district at the beginning of March, so voters are already becoming familiar with Randy's story."
Republican State Senator Van Wanggaard: “In an often cynical business, one of Paul’s defining characteristics for me, was his ability to see the best in people, and always be hopeful about the strength of individuals and the country.”ng grassroots field program"
Randy Bryce: “Randy Bryce just scared Paul Ryan into early retirement. We just repealed Paul Ryan. Now it’s time to replace him."
Cathy Myers: “Speaker Paul Ryan isn't running for reelection because he's afraid of the students in #WI01 who are holding him accountable for his failure to pass a commonsense gun safety bill. He has taken more money from the gun lobby than any US Representative. Good riddance. #NeverAgain”