Speaker John Boehner Says He Will Resign From Congress In October

John Boehner, speaker of the House and representative to Ohio's 8th congressional district, shocked the political world Friday morning with his announcement that he will leave Congress by the end of October.

He reportedly made the announcement at a GOP conference, which led to some quick tweeting by his colleagues.

The New York Times speculated Boehner's quick exit may be due in part to the extreme pressure he has been under from his own party for years.

The announcement came just one day after Pope Francis addressed Congress, a reported 20-year personal dream of Boehner's.

Boehner even held a private audience with the pope prior to addressing Congress.

It is not immediately clear who will replace him, but Mashable listed Reps. Daniel Webster of Florida, Jim Jordan of Ohio, Louie Gohmert of Texas and Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Jeff Sessions of Alabama as a few potentials.

Citations: Speaker John Boehner to resign in October, aides say (Mashable), Speaker John Boehner Will Resign From Congress (The New York Times)