House Speaker Paul Ryan used his Wednesday press conference to officially confirm the news that he will not seek reelection at the end of this year.

As Ryan began, he reminded everyone that he didn’t want the position of House Speaker in 2015, but took it nonetheless. He continued to express hope that his retirement from Capitol Hill will mean more time to spend with his family.

“You all know that I did not seek this job, I took it reluctantly. But I have given this job everything that I have and I have no regrets whatsoever for having accepted this responsibility. This has been one of the two greatest honors of my life. This job provides incredible opportunities, but the truth is, it’s easy for it to take over everything in your life, and you can’t just let that happen, because there are other things that can be fitting as well, mainly your time as a husband and a dad, which is the other great honor of my life. That’s why I am announcing that this year will be my last one as a member of the House.”

Ryan clarified that he wouldn’t resign, though he will take his leave from Congress in January, after the midterm elections. He used the rest of his press conference to reflect on his triumphs in office, answer questions from reporters, and express confidence in Republican prospects for 2018.

He also noted — contrary to the speculation of pundits — that he is not resigning because of President Donald Trump.

Watch above, via MSNBC.

[Image via screengrab]

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