House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) announced his resignation from Congress Friday, explaining that he will leave his post on Capitol Hill at the end of October amid "leadership turmoil."
"My mission every day is to fight for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government," Boehner, who initially neglected to hold a news conference on his decision, said in a statement. "Over the last five years, our majority has advanced conservative reforms that will help our children and their children. I am proud of what we have accomplished."
The news first broke after Boehner informed colleagues he would resign during a closed-door meeting Friday morning. The Ohio congressman, who has served as House speaker since 2011, has faced increasing pressure from conservatives to more aggressively pursue their causes.
"The first job of any speaker is to protect this institution that we all love," Boehner said.
He explained that he initially planned to resign from his post at the end of 2014 but remained in power " to provide continuity to the Republican Conference and the House."
"It is my view, however, that prolonged leadership turmoil would do irreparable damage to the institution," Boehner added, announcing his resignation on Oct. 30. "My heart is full with gratitude for my family, my colleagues, and the people of Ohio’s eighth district. God bless this great country that has given me--the son of a bar owner from Cincinnati--the chance to serve."
According to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll out Friday, 72 percent of Republican voters are dissatisfied with Boehner and McConnell.