(Image via Screenshot)
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) held a press conference on Tuesday to squash any and all rumors of a potential presidential run in 2016.
“Let me be clear,” he began. “I do not want, nor will I accept, the nomination for our party… If no candidate has a majority on the first ballot, I believe that you should only choose from a person who’s actually participated in the primary. Count me out."
"I simply believe that if you want to be the nominee for our party, to be the president, you should actually run for it,” said Ryan.
“I chose not to do this,” he went on, “therefore, I should not be considered. Period. End of story.”
Ryan's announcement comes as no surprise to many, as the House Speaker has repeatedly said that he would not be running for president this year.
He told reporters on Tuesday, “Not running does not mean I’m going to disappear.” He said his current focus is on carrying out a “policy and communications-focused speakership.”
Ryan didn’t rule out a future presidential run, however.