House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., announced April 11 he will not seek re-election in November and will retire from Congress, according to CNN.
Here are four things to know.
1. "You realize something when you take this job," Mr. Ryan said about the speakership, according to CNN. "It's a big job with a lot riding on you ... but you also know this is not a job that does not last forever…You realize you hold the office for just a small part of our history. So you better make the most of it."
2. Mr. Ryan reminded reporters that he "reluctantly" assumed the role of speaker in 2015 when John Boehner retired. Comprehensive tax reform had long been his biggest legislative goal, which Congress passed in December.
3. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., are seen as the two frontrunners to replace Mr. Ryan.
4. Mr. Ryan told members of his leadership team that his decision to retire is prompted by his desire to spend more time with family.