Paul Ryan nominated to be House speaker; roll call begins

Calling him visionary and friend, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers rose Thursday to nominate Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin to become the next speaker.

Mrs. Rodgers, Washington Republican, hailed Mr. Ryan as a budget whiz who has served with distinction since his election at the mere age of 28.

Mr. Ryan had to be cajoled into running for speaker, saying he cherished his free weekends with family and his role as chairman of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee.

But the sudden retirement of outgoing speaker John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican who’d held the job since 2011, and the swift demise this month of Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s bid to replace him led to a full-throated campaign to enlist Mr. Ryan, a nine-term congressman who’s won praise for his big ideas and widespread appeal among colleagues.

“He did not seek this office,” Mrs. Rodgers said. “The office sought him.”

For the Democrats, Rep. Xavier Becerra of California nominated a “proven leader” in Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, citing her shepherding of stimulus legislation and health reform during her time as speaker.

The House then turned to the roll call election, in which Mr. Ryan was expected to garner a majority of the House and rise to the Congress’ top constitutional post.