State House speaker Mike Turzai has announced his resignation.

On Wednesday afternoon, during a state House of Representatives session in Harrisburg, Turzai, R-28th, said his last day as speaker will be Monday, and he said he plans to go into the private sector.

“This generation of new leaders is ready to take the torch,” Turzai said, “and I’m excited to hand it off.”

Turzai was originally set to retire at the end of this year, which he announced in January when he told the Washington Examiner that he would not seek re-election. He did not explain why he chose to resign today, instead of retiring at the end of the year as planned.

“To have served almost 20 years representing the citizens of the 28th Legislative district in the north suburbs of Allegheny County, north of Pittsburgh. What an honor,” he said during his announcement.

His resignation follows controversy last month when PA Dems called on Turzai and other GOP leaders to resign after failing to disclose the COVID-19 diagnosis of state Rep. Andrew Lewis, R-105th. According to the Penn Capital Star, however, Turzai said he didn’t know about the case.

Today, Turzai gave thanks to his staff, constituents, his colleagues, the governors under whom he has served, including Gov. Tom Wolf, and Turzai’s family, who were in attendance.

During his 50-minute speech, Turzai brought up “the heinous killing of George Floyd” and said that even the state troopers acknowledge that something has to be done, and that he wishes everybody the best in advancing meaningful reforms.

“His life had dignity,” Turzai said. “Every life has dignity. It’s why I called upon the governor to do a special session.”