Live Stream: House Speaker Paul Ryan announces he will not seek re-election

WASHINGTON -- House Speaker Paul Ryan says he will not seek re-election.

Ryan's retirement announcement leaves a void in Republican leadership as it faces a tough series of elections that will determine whether the GOP can keep control of Congress.

The Wisconsin Republican replaced John Boehner as house speaker in 2015 and is in his tenth term as a House member.

Ryan's announcement is likely to set off a major battle for Republican leadership in the House. Possible replacements include Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., now Ryan's second-in-command, and Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., now the third-ranking House member.   

Watch Paste BN's live coverage of the GOP Leader's weekly press conference in the player above.