House Speaker Paul Ryan congratulates Donald Trump, spoke with Mike Pence

House Speaker Paul Ryan on Tuesday, November 8th congratulated Donald Trump on "his big night."

A Ryan spokeswoman confirmed that the Republican speaker called the Republican presidential nominee Tuesday evening. The spokeswoman, AshLee Strong, says they had "a very good conversation."

She says, "The speaker congratulated Trump on his big night and also spoke with his good friend Gov. Mike Pence."

Ryan, who criticized Trump during the campaign, is likely to face some opposition among Republicans in his bid to retain his leadership post.

Ryan called the Donald Trump victory "a repudiation of the status quo of failed liberal progressive policies."

He said he is eager to work with the new administration to advance the Republican agenda.

First, he urged the GOP to work to bring the country together after the divisive election.