Paul Ryan 'soul searching,' possible he could leave Congress after 2018 elections

Those people close to Ryan told CNN they believe it is possible that he could leave Congress after the 2018 midterm elections, if he can achieve his goal of passing GOP backed overhaul of the US tax system. Some say his departure could possibly happen even sooner. Some friends indicate that Ryan may be suffering from a bout of "Trump-haustion," but others believe there is serious contemplation of leaving Congress in 2018.

Politico published a report Thursday attributed to unidentified sources that Ryan, a Wisconsin Republican, has made clear to those around him that he "would like to serve through Election Day 2018 and retire ahead of the next Congress."

Ryan vehemently denied the report, telling reporters that he is here to stay.

"I ain't goin' anywhere," Ryan told reporters while exiting the Capitol when asked about the retirement rumors.

Ryan's office expanded on his denial of the Politico report.

"This is pure speculation," Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong said in a statement. "As the speaker himself said today, he's not going anywhere any time soon."

Ryan has been speaker of the House since October 2015.