Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, the 2012 Republican vice presidential nominee, says he won’t make a bid for the White House in 2016.
AP
"I have decided that I am not going to run for president in 2016," Ryan told NBC News Monday.
Ryan said he is “at peace” with the decision.
"It is amazing the amount of encouragement I have gotten from people — from friends and supporters — but I feel like I am in a position to make a big difference where I am and I want to do that," Ryan told NBC.
Previously the House Budget Committee chairman, Ryan said he thinks he can now make a “big difference” as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Regarding the other half of the 2012 Republican ticket, Ryan said: “It is no secret that I have always thought Mitt would make a great president. As for his plans for 2016, I don't know what he is ultimately going to do and the last thing I want to do is get ahead of his own decision making process."
Romney last week told supporters he is considering a third presidential bid.
Washington Post reporter Robert Costa tweeted that Romney is likely in the 2016 race.
Romney made clear to Ryan over wknd that he's preparing to get in the race, per sources close to both
— Robert Costa (@costareports) January 12, 2015
