After a morning of speculation and rumors about a possible retirement by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R – Wisc.), the man himself went before the press to officially announce the rumors were true and he is retiring.

Ryan said in part,

“I said earlier that I didn’t want this job at first. And most of you know this—I really actually didn’t. But, I have to thank my colleagues for giving me this opportunity and this honor. I am really grateful for it.

I also want to thank the people of southern Wisconsin for placing their trust in me as their representative for the past 20 years. I’ve tried to bring as much Wisconsin to Washington as I can in that time.

It has been a wild ride, but it has been a journey well worth taking to be able to do my part to strengthen the American Idea. That pursuit is never ending, much work remains, but I like to think I have done my part—my little part—of history to set us on a better course.”

Despite his disappointing leadership at times, for a man who knew his talents were better suited to not be Speaker but answered the repeated and insistent calls to the position, the Republican caucus should be thankful he stepped up.