Paul Ryan’s spokesperson is denying a claim by Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nev., that the speaker is resigning soon according to a Capitol Hill “rumor.”
Spokesperson AshLee Strong said Ryan, R-Wis., isn’t going anywhere.
“The Speaker is not resigning,” Strong told the Washington Examiner in a statement.
Amodei, who represents Nevada’s 2nd District, caused a stir Monday in an interview with Nevada Newsmakers when he said he believed Ryan is ready to leave Congress on a month or two.
“The rumor mill is that Paul Ryan is getting ready to resign in the next 30 to 60 days and that Steve Scalise will be the new speaker,” Amodei said on the show, which covers politics and can be viewed online.
A spokesperson for Scalise denied the claim.
“Whip Scalise is proud to serve alongside Speaker Ryan, and fully supports him to remain Speaker,” spokesperson Lauren Fine said.
“Our whole leadership team is focused on working with President Trump to deliver more conservative wins for the country, and also ensuring we keep the majority so we can continue implementing President Trump’s agenda that is getting our economy back on track.”
Lawmakers and political observers have been speculating about Ryan’s departure but few believe he would jump ship in the middle of the election cycle.
Scalise would have to be elected speaker by the full House and could not simply replace Ryan.
Ryan is visiting the Czech Republic this week and plans a press conference Tuesday.
