Breaking: Speaker Paul Ryan May Retire In 2018

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) at the 2012 Republican National Convention Harry E. Walker/MCT/Zumapress.com

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan may retire from Congress after the 2018 midterm election, reports say.

Ryan’s departure from the Speaker’s office would be sure to energize conservatives unhappy with Ryan’s leadership.

As of now, Ryan says he’s not going anywhere, though DC insiders aren’t so sure…

According to The Hill:

“Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) is reportedly considering retiring after the 2018 midterm elections.

Politico reported Thursday that Ryan has told his “closest confidants” that his current term as Speaker will be his last. According to Politico interviews with three dozen of Ryan’s colleagues, aides, lobbyists and allies, “not a single person believed Ryan will stay in Congress past 2018.”

Ryan told reporters on Thursday that he is not planning on leaving the House.

Asked at the end of his weekly press conference Thursday whether he was leaving Congress “soon,” Ryan chuckled and replied as he walked off the stage: “I’m not, no.”

Speculation about Ryan’s future has swirled for months. Last month, several Republicans told The Hill they thought Ryan could be serving his last term of Speaker, particularly if Republicans succeed in passing tax reform.”