Apr 11, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Ryan tells GOP he'll remain House speaker through elections

Caitlin Owens, author of Vitals

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

House Speaker Paul Ryan told members of the GOP conference he'll remain in the job through the November midterm elections, per a source in the room, and there was "zero conversation" about his replacement, per a second source. A source familiar confirmed Ryan will serve his full term as speaker.

Why it matters: Some are already skeptical about the effectiveness of a retiring speaker. And his announcement has already put his seat at risk of flipping.

Most of the discussion at this morning's conference was about thanking Ryan, with individual members praising him.

What they said, per a source in the room:

"The theme...is that PDR will be leaving the speakership the exact same man he was when he started the job."
"Members are telling stories about times the Speaker helped them, sharing stories about their families and applauding the Speaker’s commitment to his family."
Tax reform topped the list of Ryan's accomplishments brought up by members, and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Majority Whip Steve Scalise, and Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers all spoke.

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