(Photo by Bret Jaspers - KJZZ)

Former Arizona State Senator Debbie Lesko.

At a campaign stop Wednesday, House Republican candidate Debbie Lesko struck an upbeat tone in responding to the news House Speaker Paul Ryan won’t run for re-election in his Wisconsin district.

"No matter who is the House speaker, we plan to have a Republican majority and I plan to be part of it,” Lesko said before a luncheon put on by the Arrowhead Republican Women.

Ryan announced Wednesday morning he would not seek re-election. The announcement is considered a blow to House Republicans because Ryan frequently raises money for fellow Republicans running to keep their seats.

Lesko, a former Arizona state lawmaker, is running in a special election in the 8th Congressional District, which includes much of the West Valley. The seat opened up when Trent Franks resigned in December. The Democratic candidate is Hiral Tipirneni, a physician and first-time candidate.

Early voting is underway. Election day is on April 24.

The latest early voting data shows Republicans casting almost half of the votes, Democrats casting 28 percent and independents casting 23 percent.