Speaker Paul Ryan Won't Seek Re-Election in November

WISCONSIN — House Speaker and Wisconsin 1st District Congressman Paul Ryan, a Janesville Republican, won't seek re-election in November 2018, the congressman announced Wednesday.

On Wednesday, President Donald Trump issued a tweet commending Ryan on his years of public service. "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," he tweeted.

After informing fellow legislators in a private meeting Wednesday morning, Ryan held his weekly press briefing - which took on added meaning with his pending retirement announcement.

"I have accomplished much of what I came here to do, and my kids aren't getting any younger, and if I stay, my kids are only going to know me as a weekend dad, and that's something I consciously cannot do," he said before the assembled media Wednesday morning in Washington D.C.

Ryan went on to say that he wants to continue to serve Wisconsin's First Congressional District honorably, which meant informing voters of his decision before election day. "I pledge to serve the people of the Wisconsin First District honorably, and in order to serve them honorably, I have to serve them honestly. For me, to ask them to vote to re-elect me, knowing that I wasn't going to stay is not being honest, so I simply can't do that," he said.

Brendan Buck, Counselor to Ryan issued a statement Wednesday morning: “This morning Speaker Ryan shared with his colleagues that this will be his last year as a member of the House. He will serve out his full term, run through the tape, and then retire in January. After nearly twenty years in the House, the speaker is proud of all that has been accomplished and is ready to devote more of his time to being a husband and a father. While he did not seek the position, he told his colleagues that serving as speaker has been the professional honor of his life, and he thanked them for the trust they placed in him. He will discuss his decision at a press conference immediately following the member meeting.”

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, a Louisiana Republican, are among the leaders who could try to replace Ryan as speaker of the House, according to the report.

Related Reading:

• Watch Press Conference Where Ryan Announces He Won't Seek Re-Election
• Full Text Of Paul Ryan Retirement Announcement
• Democrat Randy Bryce Says Paul Ryan Retired Because of Him
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In Wisconsin, Ryan appeared to be a heavy favorite to retain his Wisconsin 1st District seat for an 11th consecutive term. In fact, Ryan has never lost an election except as the Republican vice presidential candidate in 2012. Ryan has never received less than 54 percent of the vote when he has won, according to ABC News.

In Wisconsin, the filing deadline for candidates to run is June 1. Two Democratic challengers undoubtedly stand to gain from Ryan's possible departure — Randy Bryce, a union ironworker from Racine County, and Cathy Myers, a Janesville school board member in Ryan's hometown.

Retirement Rumors

According to a Politico article posted in mid-December, Ryan's preference had become clear: He would like to serve through Election Day 2018 and retire ahead of the next Congress. According to Politico, "this would give Ryan a final legislative year to chase his second white whale, entitlement reform, while using his unrivaled fundraising prowess to help protect the House majority—all with the benefit of averting an ugly internecine power struggle during election season."

According to a CNN report just after news broke in December, however, Ryan roundly rejected the Politico report's accuracy, saying he "wasn't going anywhere" when questioned on his future plans. Ryan's spokesperson also called the Politico report speculative, referring to Ryan's earlier comment. "This is pure speculation," Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong said in a statement. "As the speaker himself said today, he's not going anywhere any time soon."

Timeline of Paul Ryan's political career:

• 2015-Present: Speaker of the House
• 2012: Vice Presidential candidate and running mate with Mitt Romney
• 1999-Present: U.S. Representative from Wisconsin's 1st Congressional District
• 1995-1997: Legislative Director to Sen. Sam Brownback (Kan.)
• 1993-1995: Advisor and speechwriter for Empower America
• 1992: Aide to Sen. Robert Kasten (Wis.)
• 1992: Graduated from Miami University with a B.A.

According to a U.S. News & World Report article Ryan's campaign s raised $1.4 million in the final three months of 2017. That means Ryan has $9.7 million in the bank heading into his 2018 fall election at this point.

The report also said Bryce, a union ironworker, raised $1.2 million in the final quarter of 2017. Myers, raised nearly $183,000 and had $107,000 cash on hand, the report said.

Local Reactions

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker offered his heartfelt congratulations and thanks for a job well done. "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," he stated Wednesday morning.

Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin said she may not have agreed with Ryan's policy positions, however holds him in high regard and extended her best wishes to her congressional colleague. “Before I was elected to the Senate I served with Paul Ryan in the House and have spent many years working with him on behalf of the people of Wisconsin. We know each other well and while we have different views on policy, I consider him a friend and have a lot of respect for him as a person and a public servant. This was a difficult decision to make, and I wish Paul and his family all the best in the future,” she said.

Wisconsin Republican State Sen. Van Wanggaard, who lives in Ryan's congressional district and who has known him well over the years, issued a statement lamenting his departure from politics later in 2018. “I cannot imagine a better friend personally, politically or legislatively than Paul Ryan. I am saddened, but understand, his announcement that he will not seek re-election. It is a sad moment for southeastern Wisconsin and the country," he said. "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."

Wisconsin Democrat Randy Bryce, who lives in Ryan's district and prepared to challenge him in the November election for the First District Congressional seat issued a statement after Ryan's announcement.

"Paul Ryan decided to quit today rather than face Randy Bryce and the voters," said campaign Communications Director Lauren Hitt. "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. "

Paul Ryan: In-State vs. Out-of-State Contributions (Fall 2017)
In-state $289,886
Out-Of-State $7,650,294

Top 5 Contributors (Fall 2017)
Blackrock Inc $110,800
Blackstone Group $73,710
Affiliated Managers Group $72,800
Goldman Sachs $66,200
New York Life Insurance $61,300

(Source: Opensecrets.org)

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(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)