WASHINGTON — House Republicans nominated Rep. Paul Ryan on Wednesday to become the chamber’s next speaker, rallying behind a youthful overachiever they hope will guide them out of weeks of internal feuding and disarray and point the party toward accomplishments they can highlight in next year’s elections.
Ryan, R-Wis., was his party’s 2012 vice presidential nominee and is considered a telegenic spokesman for conservative priorities. When the full House formally elects the 45-year-old as speaker Thursday, he will take charge of a chamber whose Republicans have been riven and rudderless since John Boehner, R-Ohio, stunned his colleagues by announcing his resignation from the top post last month.

Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., walks from a House GOP candidate forum on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster