Paul Ryan represents Wisconsin’s 1st District in the United States House of Representatives.
Official Biography
Born and raised in the community of Janesville, Paul Ryan is a fifth-generation Wisconsin native. Currently serving his 8th term as a Member of Congress, Paul works to address the many important issues affecting Wisconsin residents and serve as an effective advocate for the 1st Congressional District.
He is the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, where he works to bring fiscal discipline and accountability to the federal government. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, Social Security, health care and trade laws.
Paul has put forward a specific plan to tackle our looming fiscal crisis, driven by the explosion of entitlement spending. “The Path to Prosperity” helps spur job creation today, stops spending money the government doesn’t have, and lifts the crushing burden of debt. This plan puts the budget on the path to balance and the economy on the path to prosperity.
Paul is a graduate of Joseph A. Craig High School in Janesville and earned a degree in economics and political science from Miami University in Ohio.
Paul and his wife Janna live in Janesville with their children, daughter Liza and sons Charlie and Sam. The youngest of four children, Paul is the son of Paul Sr. (deceased) and Betty Ryan. He is a member of St. John Vianney’s Parish.
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Content referencing Paul Ryan
Nurse, Union Activist Running for 1st Congressional District
Enrique Casiano says federal labor laws unfair, seeks to unseat Rep. Steil.
Jan 5th, 2026 by Erik Gunn
Should Wisconsin’s Republican Congressmen Be ‘Terrified’?
Even gerrymandered districts could be at risk in 2026 election.
Dec 30th, 2025 by Bruce Murphy
Can Democrats Defeat Reps Bryan Steil and Derrick Van Orden?
Incumbents in state's 2 most competitive US House districts are Trump loyalists.
Sep 9th, 2025 by Rich Kremer
Democratic Field Grows in 1st Congressional District Election
Community activist Gage Stills will oppose Rep. Steil and 'Big Beautiful Bill.'
Aug 18th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
Racine County Democrat, Nurse Will Challenge Bryan Steil For Congressional Seat
Mitchell Berman joins Randy Bryce in targeting the southeastern Wisconsin seat long held by the GOP.
Aug 12th, 2025 by Anya van Wagtendonk
‘Iron Stache’ Randy Bryce Seeks Rematch Against Rep. Bryan Steil
Democrat lost to Republican in 2018; Steil has held 1st District since then.
May 20th, 2025 by Erik Gunn
The Rise and Fall Of Michael Gableman
And how the Wisconsin Supreme Court became hyper-political.
Apr 16th, 2025 by Tom Kertscher
Steil, Barca At Odds In Southeastern Wisconsin Congressional Race
The race between US Rep. Bryan Steil and Democratic challenger Peter Barca hold differing views on many issues.
Oct 19th, 2024 by Evan Casey
Charlie Sykes Endorses Kamala Harris
Joining former radio host are former Republican State Senate majority leader, former Court of Appeals judge.
Oct 11th, 2024 by Joe Schulz
Can Peter Barca Flip Republican Congressional District?
1st District incumbent Bryan Steil faces veteran Democrat, who had more votes in primary.
Sep 9th, 2024 by Peter Cameron
Wisconsin’s Republican Roots Run Deep
Party that will have its national convention here was founded in this state in 1854.
Jul 8th, 2024 by Steven Walters
Why Right Wisconsin Was Killed
Its editor, stalwart Republican James Wigderson watched as readers and his party went off the rails.
May 15th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
Barca Announces Run For Congress, Challenging Steil
Peter Barca, a Democrat, stepped down as secretary of Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue earlier this month.
Apr 18th, 2024 by Evan Casey
Trump Endorses Former Gas Station Owner for 8th Congressional District
Trump calls on Republican state Sen. Roger Roth to drop out of race for open seat.
Apr 10th, 2024 by Baylor Spears
Meet the Candidates for County Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Apr 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet the Candidates for County Office
And read the analysis of each race and bios for each candidate.
Mar 30th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Baldwin and Hovde Using Drastically Different Strategies To Win Votes
Baldwin goes "hyper local," while Hovde pushes national issues.
Mar 29th, 2024 by Rich Kremer
Democrats Optimistic About New Voting Maps
'This is a sea change in Wisconsin politics.'
Feb 27th, 2024 by Ruth Conniff
Top 10 State Government Stories of 2023
A year filled with surprises and big stories, led by the election of Janet Protasiewicz to Supreme Court.
Jan 1st, 2024 by Steven Walters
How Rich Are Wisconsin’s Members of Congress?
Most are poorer than average members of Congress. Then there’s Ron Johnson.
Oct 4th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Two Democrats Will Challenge Republican Rep. Bryan Steil
District is possibly more competitive as a result of redistricting.
Aug 17th, 2023 by Anya van Wagtendonk
Will The Real Paul Ryan Stand Up?
What his tarnished stature as Fox News board member reveals about the once golden GOP leader.
Mar 14th, 2023 by Bruce Murphy
Will Mike Gallagher Challenge Baldwin?
U.S. Senator Baldwin seeks reelection in 2024. Republican Rep. Gallagher's star turn in Washington helps build his profile.
Mar 13th, 2023 by Steven Walters
Ramthun Won’t Rule Out Future Run for Governor
Election denier got just 6% of vote in GOP primary but blames it on negative press.
Nov 29th, 2022 by Baylor Spears
5 Lessons From Mid-Term Election
Milwaukee's under-performance is a problem. And lack of national Democratic funding doomed Pfaff.
Nov 13th, 2022 by Ruth Conniff
Van Orden Defeats Pfaff in Western Wisconsin Congressional District
AP calls race, with Republican at 52% of vote and 95% of ballots counted.
Nov 9th, 2022 by Rob Mentzer
House Districts’ Maps Protect Incumbents
State's 8 congressional districts typically won by incumbents, resulting in long tenure.
Jun 13th, 2022 by Steven Walters
Trump Endorses Tim Michels for Governor
Former Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch has now lost out on two major endorsements.
Jun 3rd, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
Gerrymandering For Personal Gain
Republican redistricting put Fitzgerald brothers in separate congressional districts. Democrats put them back together again.
May 29th, 2022 by Peter Cameron
Who Will Vos Appoint to Elections Commission?
Will he have the courage to appoint someone who tells the truth and follows the law?
May 28th, 2022 by Matt Rothschild
Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District Might Be Competitive Again
Gov. Evers' legislative map rebalances district held by Republicans for two decades.
Apr 15th, 2022 by Shawn Johnson
Baldwin, Pocan Deliver for Wisconsin
Both among top members of Congress in getting earmarked federal spending for this state.
Apr 4th, 2022 by Bruce Murphy
Paul Ryan Supports Biden Supreme Court Pick
Ketanji Brown Jackson would be first Black woman to serve on high court.
Feb 26th, 2022 by Christine Hatfield
Ramthun, Brandtjen Lead Rally to Overturn 2020 Election
Capitol event organized by Jefferson Davis pushes bill to recall state’s 2020 electors.
Feb 16th, 2022 by Henry Redman
Ron Johnson, Paul Ryan Say 2020 Election Not Rigged
Johnson still supports investigation into election commissions and grants.
Sep 2nd, 2021 by Laurel White
History Suggests Ron Kind Will Win Reelection
Democratic congressman faces rematch against Derrick Van Orden. Just 15% of such efforts have succeeded since 1848 in Wisconsin.
Aug 3rd, 2021 by Dr. Eric Ostermeier
Can Newcomer Turn a Red Seat Blue?
Republicans have held 1st Congressional District for three decades. Ann Roe seeks an upset.
Jul 26th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
How Trump Polarized Voters
Part of shift in Republican Party but no GOP politician has same impact as Trump.
Jul 21st, 2021 by Bruce Thompson
Janesville Business Owner To Oppose Bryan Steil
Democratic newcomer will battle first-term Republican congressman in First District.
Jul 14th, 2021 by Erik Gunn
Paul Ryan Displays Courage
Warns against fealty to Trump, whose backers are already attacking Ryan.
May 28th, 2021 by Dave Cieslewicz
Foxconn Shows Folly of Cheesehead Revolution
Walker, Ryan, Priebus pushed business-friendly policies. The result: an abysmal failure.
May 12th, 2021 by Dan Shafer
All Sides Won On New Foxconn Deal
Evers, Foxconn and Robin Vos all hail a vastly different deal.
Apr 26th, 2021 by Steven Walters
The Return Of Reince
Priebus may run for governor. Will Trump endorse him?
Feb 19th, 2021 by Melanie Conklin
Everyone’s Dumping on Ron Johnson
A recall effort, attacks by the Lincoln Project, angry editorial and much more.
Jan 6th, 2021 by Bruce Murphy
Gallagher Assails GOP Push to Nullify Election
Wisconsin congressman calls it a 'dangerous idea' that would 'destroy the idea of American government.'
Jan 5th, 2021 by Rob Mentzer
Johnson Has Shouting Match With Reporter
Senator defends his call for investigating 2020 election in heated interview with NBC’s Chuck Todd.
Jan 4th, 2021 by Rachael Vasquez
Is Janesville Trump Country?
His Sunday speech there might suggest that. But past voting totals tell a different story.
Oct 19th, 2020 by Ruth Conniff
Grothman Is Top Trump Loyalist in Congress
Wisconsin Republican voted with Trump 94% of time, ranking finds.
Oct 14th, 2020 by Henry Redman
The Decline of Wisconsin’s Republican Party
A conservative and Republican writer offers a scathing inside look. Not pretty.
Sep 30th, 2020 by Bruce Murphy
Jill Biden Promises More United Country
Former Second Lady makes campaign stops in Madison, Waukesha County.
Sep 29th, 2020 by Corrinne Hess
A City Divided Gets a National Spotlight
Kenosha was already divided. Then Trump started tweeting about it.
Sep 1st, 2020 by Ruth Conniff
Pence Hypes Economy, COVID-19 Response
The vice president campaigned for Trump in Darien Wednesday.
Aug 20th, 2020 by Laurel White
State Republicans Now Love Trump
Big change from 2016, when GOP and talk radio opposed him, now 95% view him favorably.
Mar 17th, 2020 by Shawn Johnson
Ryan, Boehner, Gingrich to Team Up
Three former speakers will work to keep Republican control of most state legislatures.
Dec 18th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
The Return of Paul Ryan
His new foundation could help Ryan plan and promote his post-Trump political career.
Oct 31st, 2019 by Ruth Conniff
Ryan’s New Foundation Will Fight Poverty
Janesville-based American Idea Foundation will promote free market, kick-started with $7 million in campaign funds.
Oct 29th, 2019 by Miranda Suarez
Rep. Ron Kind Has Huge 2020 War Chest
Nearly $3 million campaign fund. No Wisconsin congressional representative has more.
Oct 26th, 2019 by Allison Stevens
Does the Growing Partisan Divide Make Sense?
As the global economy changed, so did traditional Republican and Democratic constituencies.
Oct 2nd, 2019 by Bruce Thompson
Congressional Primaries Can Be Unpredictable
Sensenbrenner seat could draw a wide field.
Sep 23rd, 2019 by Steven Walters
Rethinking State Economic Policies
What do state policies on Foxconn and dairy industry have in common?
Sep 18th, 2019 by Bruce Thompson
Not Leaving Due to Trump, Sensenbrenner Says
Retiring congressman reflects on long career and why he’s retiring now.
Sep 13th, 2019 by Robin Bravender
50 Years of Jim Sensenbrenner
The numbers, the gruffness, the tales. And who will run for his seat?
Sep 5th, 2019 by Melanie Conklin
Sanders Leads Dems in State Funds Raised
Warren is second, Buttigieg third, in state donations to presidential primary candidates.
Aug 20th, 2019 by Robin Bravender
Pade To Run Against GOP Rep. Bryan Steil
Steil succeeded Paul Ryan in congressional seat held by Republicans for 25 years.
Aug 14th, 2019 by Erik Gunn
The Rise and Fall of Three GOP Stars
Walker, Ryan and Priebus were national Republican leaders who got defeated by Trumpism.
Aug 3rd, 2019 by Robin Bravender
How Ryan “Sold His Soul” to Trump
New book details the tough choices Paul Ryan had to make as House Speaker.
Jul 29th, 2019 by Steven Walters
The New Paul Ryan
That’s how admirers view Rep. Mike Gallagher. Can Democrat Amanda Stuck beat him?
Jul 23rd, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Meet Paul Ryan’s Rookie Replacement
Bryan Steil has been dubbed Paul Ryan 2.0. True or false?
Jul 18th, 2019 by Robin Bravender
A New State “Progressive” Publication
Wisconsin Examiner adds to Capitol press corps, with a "people's" perspective on policies.
Jul 16th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
EPA Scientists Opposed Foxconn Ruling
Emails show senior EPA scientists complained smog exemption for company wasn’t supported by data.
May 28th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
New Leaders at Republican State Convention
Ryan, Walker no longer key players, but focus remains on Trump 2020 victory.
May 13th, 2019 by Steven Walters
A New Generation of Political Leaders
GenXers and Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers in political office.
May 6th, 2019 by Steven Walters
4 Forces Causing Foxconn Uncertainty
Even with massive state and local subsidy, wage costs will be too high.
Feb 13th, 2019 by Will Cushman
Foxconn Project in “Chaos”
Foxconn workers, insiders say Racine project is failing in Bloomberg story.
Feb 7th, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
Why GOP Should Back Medicaid Expansion
Voters want it, just like they opposed government shutdown. Republican legislators, take heed.
Jan 30th, 2019 by Bill Kaplan
The Rise of Special Interest Spending
Nationally and in Wisconsin it’s exploded since Citizens United. What’s the impact?
Jan 22nd, 2019 by Bruce Murphy
How Shutdown Is Hurting State
Impact on farmers, Native Americans, food processing companies and more.
Jan 14th, 2019 by Bill Kaplan
State Loses Political Power in Washington
Of all states, Wisconsin and Michigan have lost the most clout in D.C., experts say.
Jan 14th, 2019 by Steven Walters
Why the Government Shutdown?
Paul Ryan could have stopped it but took the low road for Trump.
Jan 3rd, 2019 by Bill Kaplan
Vos and Fitzgerald Trash Urban Voters
Affirming the alignment of Republicans with voters from shrinking counties.
Dec 26th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Time’s Running Out on Vos, Fitzgerald
Vos says Democrats are "sore losers” and proceeds as though Republicans won.
Nov 23rd, 2018 by James Rowen
Evers Election Brings Changes to Capitol
Suddenly jobs for Democrats. And will Vos, Evers do deal on highway funding?
Nov 12th, 2018 by Steven Walters
Voters Demand Compromise
But are there issues Ever and Republicans could agree on? Yes.
Nov 9th, 2018 by John Torinus
33 Election Winners and Losers
Beyond the vote totals, who were the election’s other big winners and losers?
Nov 7th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Democrats Need Bread-And-Butter Issues
Republicans won’t protect workers pensions and health care, Democrats will.
Oct 11th, 2018 by Bill Kaplan
National Spotlight on Bryce-Steil Race
Congressional seat long held by Paul Ryan attracts millions from outside district.
Oct 9th, 2018 by Laurel White
The Impact of Republican Tax Cuts
It relies on supply side economics. So how well is that working?
Sep 19th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Trump Op Ed Author Revealed!
Who’s behind the anonymous NYT column about obstructing Trump’s craziness? Read on.
Sep 13th, 2018 by Rep. Jonathan Brostoff
All the Election Data You Want
It was one for the history books, with many surprising results and newcomers.
Aug 15th, 2018 by Jeramey Jannene
Sly’s “Stand” Is a Great Call to Arms
Innovative song might be just what certain politicians need to get some courage.
Aug 3rd, 2018 by John Sieger
How Government Helps the Economy
A government safety net is the best way of assuring the economy can evolve and grow.
Aug 1st, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Vukmir, Nicholson Debate, Both Back Trump
Neither criticized anything president has done, no major disagreements between candidates.
Jul 27th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Can Democrats Win State’s Swing Voters?
They voted for Obama and then Trump. Will they swing to Democrats in November?
Jul 16th, 2018 by Bill Kaplan
State Democrats Split on Abolishing ICE
Pocan’s proposal not backed by Baldwin, most Democratic candidates for Congress
Jul 16th, 2018 by Steven Walters
How Trump Threatens State’s Exports
As parties flip-flop on free trade, can Wisconsin’s export economy be protected?
Jul 5th, 2018 by Bruce Thompson
Walker Silent as Trump Attacks Harley
State Republicans decline to criticize Trump for attack on iconic state business.
Jun 27th, 2018 by Shawn Johnson
Is State Suffering Walker Fatigue?
One clear sign would be if Leah Vukmir loses U.S. Senate primary.
Jun 26th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Ryan, Sensenbrenner Endorse Vukmir
Republican establishment rallying around Vukmir over Nicholson for U.S. Senate.
Jun 25th, 2018 by John K. Wilson
George Will Blasts Paul Ryan
Calls House Speaker Trump’s “poodle,” urges people to vote Democratic.
Jun 25th, 2018 by Bruce Murphy
Vinehout Is Different Kind of Democrat
A policy wonk, populist and hunter, whose stance on guns annoys some party members.
Jun 18th, 2018 by Laurel White
