U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan raises funds in North Texas

U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan visited North Texas this week to show support for local House Republicans and raise money to help congressional Republicans seeking re-election.

Motorists in Fort Worth reported seeing police-escorted motorcades Tuesday morning as the Wisconsin Republican attended fundraisers and events here during this congressional recess.

The 46-year-old speaker is working to fortify war chests for several committees — Ryan for Congress Inc., Prosperity Action Inc., and the National Republican Congressional Committee — that help fund election efforts for vulnerable GOP colleagues.

Ryan, who became speaker last October, is among the politicians mentioned as potential presidential candidates during this highly unusual election year. He was quick to dismiss speculation.

“Let me be clear,” he said during a news conference last month. “I do not want, nor will I accept, the nomination of our party.”

His office stated that Ryan was in town this week to support House Republicans.

“The Texas GOP Congressional Delegation is a crucial part of the House Republican majority — they are helping to advance a bold, conservative reform agenda,” said Zack Roday, a Ryan spokesman. “Speaker Ryan is always happy to visit the Lone Star State to share that message of reform with such strong supporters.”

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 8:03 PM with the headline "U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan raises funds in North Texas."