Eric Cantor’s departure creates a major power vacuum in the Republican leadership, with a wide-open race for the House majority position. On Wednesday, House Speaker John Boehner and Congressmember Paul Ryan spoke to reporters about Cantor’s defeat.

House Speaker John Boehner: “Eric Cantor is good friend of mine, and he’s been a very good leader for our party. He’s got some decisions to make, but I’m sure that he and his family will come to the right decision.”

Rep. Paul Ryan: “We’ll get through this, like we get through everything. I think it’s unfortunate that he lost. We are very disappointed in the outcome, and it’s premature to speculate beyond that right now.”

Reporter: “What’s going to happen now that he’s stepping down?”

Rep. Paul Ryan: “Well, we’ll have a race, I think.”

Reporter: “Are you going to be a candidate?”

Rep. Paul Ryan: “No, I won’t.”

Cantor had been expected to replace Boehner as House speaker next year. But there are now reports Boehner intends to remain in the position with Cantor no longer vying to take his place.