INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A prolific fundraiser for the Republican party, Paul Ryan became speaker in late 2015
months ahead of pivotal congressional elections, said on Wednesday he will not seek re-election to Congress in November and will relinquish
his leadership post at the start of 2019.Ryan, who portrayed his decision as one driven by wanting to spend more time with his family, has
had a rocky relationship with Republican President Donald Trump
Asked to what degree Trump's presidency influenced his decision not to seek re-election, Ryan said, "Not at all."After months of speculation
that he would retire, the 48-year-old Republican speaker announced his decision, setting up a struggle for succession among House
Republicans amid mounting concern about the party's prospects in November, when Democrats are seeking to regain control of Congress from
Trump's fellow Republicans."I am announcing today that this year will be my last one in the House," said Ryan, the 2012 Republican US vice
presidential nominee and long-time legislator from Wisconsin.A prolific fundraiser for the party, Ryan became speaker in late 2015 after
then-House Speaker John Boehner, also a Republican, unexpectedly resigned following a series of clashes with right-wing conservatives in the
divided party.Trump's low approval ratings and controversial 14 months in office have heartened Democrats about their chances of recapturing
the House majority they lost to the Republicans at the end of 2010
To do so, they would have to pick up at least 23 seats in the 435-member House.There has been speculation that Ryan could have his eye on a
run for the White House in 2020 or beyond
But in his statement to reporters, he talked about spending more time with his family.Ryan also said he has been assured by the White House
that Trump does not intend to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating potential collusion between Trump's 2016
presidential campaign and Russia, or Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who oversees Mueller's probe."I have no reason to believe that
that's going to happen," Ryan said
