House Speaker Paul Ryan endorses Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy as his successor

WASHINGTON (AP) – House Speaker Paul Ryan, in NBC interview, backs Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California as his successor.

In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Ryan says McCarthy is “the right person.”

“I think Kevin is the right guy to step up,” Ryan says in the interview that will air Sunday.

The endorsement comes after Ryan stunned Washington this week by announcing he would not seek another term in Congress this fall.

Ryan’s retirement, as Republicans fight to keep the House majority in this year’s midterm elections, has sparked a potentially bruising leadership battle between California Rep. McCarthy, who is next in line, and the No. 3 ranking Republican, Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, who has more support from conservatives. McCarthy backed out of a leadership race three years ago amid similar divisions.

Paul Ryan’s full interview will air on NBC’s Meet the Press with Chuck Todd this Sunday. Watch Sunday morning at 9am on 41NBC.