For over a year, the question festered and was the subject of endless rumors on Capitol Hill: When will Paul Ryan give up the gavel?

After more than three years, Ryan will exit the speakership and head home to Janesville, Wis., to begins his life outside of elected office. But having taken over as a reluctant replacement for John Boehner in 2015, Ryan has dealt with constant speculation wondering how long he will actually hold the position.