When Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., withdrew from the race for speaker of the House, some people wondered whether it signaled the approaching death of the Republican Party. It was indeed a potent moment, for the majority leader, backed by a massive majority of his congressional party colleagues, was derailed by an intransigent and habitually disruptive minority.

Yet the exit of McCarthy may end up being the party’s lifeline. For Republicans now have the opportunity instead to elect Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who is both less inclined to seek power and, we think, more likely to use it effectively. GOP members should back him strongly and should feel delighted at having the opportunity to do so. The House GOP now has a year in which to rack up some wins, some conservative achievements, and show it deserves to be given the chance to govern. Ryan is the man to lead them to those wins.