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Paul Ryan

Paul Davis Ryan is an American former Republican politician who represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district in the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Paul Davis Ryan is an American former Republican politician who represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999 to 2019. He served as the 54th speaker of the U.S. House from 2015 to 2019 and was the Republican vice-presidential nominee in the 2012 presidential election.

Early life and education

Paul Ryan was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1970. He studied at Miami University in Ohio.

U.S. House career

Ryan represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999 to 2019. He became known nationally as a Republican budget and tax-policy figure.

Speaker of the House

Ryan served as the 54th speaker of the U.S. House from 2015 to 2019. His tenure followed years of service in congressional leadership and committee roles.

2012 vice-presidential campaign

In 2012, Ryan was the Republican nominee for vice president alongside Mitt Romney. The ticket lost the election to Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Key facts

  • Paul Ryan served as U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district from 1999 to 2019.
  • He was the 54th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 2015 to 2019.
  • Ryan was the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2012, running with Mitt Romney.
  • He chaired the House Budget Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee during his congressional career.
  • Ryan was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1970 and studied at Miami University.
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Canadian context

Paul Ryan has no major direct Canada-specific role, but he is a prominent figure in U.S. politics whose positions on trade, taxation, and fiscal policy have been relevant to Canadian readers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Paul Ryan?
Paul Ryan is an American former Republican politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and later became Speaker of the House.
What office did Paul Ryan hold?
He served as the 54th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019.
Which district did Paul Ryan represent?
He represented Wisconsin's 1st congressional district from 1999 to 2019.
Was Paul Ryan a vice-presidential candidate?
Yes. He was the Republican vice-presidential nominee in the 2012 presidential election, running with Mitt Romney.
Where was Paul Ryan born?
He was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, on January 29, 1970.

References

  1. Congress.gov — https://www.congress.gov/member/paul-ryan/R000570
    Supports: Official congressional record for service dates, party affiliation, and House representation.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Paul-Ryan
    Supports: Biographical overview, birth details, House service, and speakership.
  3. CNN — https://www.cnn.com/politics/paul-ryan-fast-facts
    Supports: Birthplace, family details, education, and major career facts.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Ryan
    Supports: General chronology of offices held, House service dates, and 2012 vice-presidential nomination.