Ryan’s exit scrambles Wisconsin House race

Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) impending retirement has set off a mad scramble in his Republican-leaning district, which suddenly looks more attainable for Democrats.

Ryan’s retirement breathes new life into the contested Democratic primary, where ironworker Randy Bryce is seen as the favorite thanks to impressive fundraising hauls and solid name recognition with the party’s progressive grass roots.

Ryan’s exit also immediately creates an opening for Republicans looking to succeed him, since the only candidate currently in the GOP primary is a vocal white nationalist.Ryan, who has represented Wisconsin’s 1st District for nearly 20 years, has rarely faced a challenge. But now he had been headed toward a historically difficult reelection fight, facing both an uncharacteristically strong Democratic field and a political mood that’s expected to favor Democrats.

So while Republicans are still favored in the district, Ryan’s retirement will open up even more uncertainty about the future of the seat.  

Republicans now have seven weeks to field new challengers before the June 1 deadline. The primaries are on Aug. 14.