No, John Rhodes chose to voluntarily step down in 1981 (although he did declare if the GOP won a House Majority in 1980, he would run for Speaker). The consensus seemed to be he wasn’t up to being a strong leader and public voice for the party during that difficult post-Watergate period, especially by the younger (Conservative) activist members. He actually remained in Congress for another term until 1983. Unfortunately for us and the nation, his open seat was won by McQueeg.
Ah, I figured it wasn’t voluntarily since he ran for reelection.
Did he or anyone think there was a chance at winning the House in 1980?