Paul Ryan is one of the most notable figures to have shaped American politics in recent memory. The Republican politician represented Wisconsin’s first district in the House of Representatives for two decades. He was also Speaker of the US House of Representatives for four years. Ryan is easily one of the best candidates to emerge from the GOP in recent years. He was tipped to play for the White House. However, he shocked the public when he announced that he would not seek re-election in 2018. So how did this decision come about? Has he retired from politics? Here we have the answers.
Bio & Age – Who is Paul Ryan?
Paul Davis Ryan was born on January 29, 1970 in Janesville Wisconsin. He attended schools such as St. Mary’s Catholic School and Joseph A. Craig High School. Young Ryan was a well-rounded student. He not only played in sports (basketball and football), but was also active in school politics. Ryan finished high school in 1988 and went to Miami University in Ohio. There he studied economics and political science and graduated in 1992.
After graduating, Ryan worked as an assistant to then Wisconsin Senator Robert Kasten. The job didn’t pay much and he also worked as a waiter to supplement his income. Between 1993 and 1995, Paul Ryan worked as a consultant and speechwriter for a conservative group called Empower America. From there he worked for various Republican politicians before returning to Wisconsin in 1997.
In Wisconsin, he worked for his family’s construction company before declaring his candidacy for the House of Representatives in 1998. He won the election and became a member of the House of Representatives at the age of 28. Ryan worked at the house for two decades (1998 – 2018). During his time in the House, he chaired several important committees. He was also named speaker on October 29, 2015. At the time he was 45 years old, making him one of the youngest speakers the house had ever had. Paul Ryan was also a running friend of Mitt Romney during the 2012 presidential election. However, they lost to incumbent Barack Obama.
Has he retired?
The Wisconsin native announced that he would not seek re-election in April 2018. He also revealed that doing so allows him to spend more time with his family. However, this does not mean that he has completely retired from politics. Political analysts have suggested he could join the board of a giant corporation or work as a lobbyist. They have also suggested that re-entry into politics is very much possible.
His wife and family
The congressman comes from a family of six. His father’s name is Paul Murray while his mother’s name is Elizabeth Ann. His father is of Irish heritage while his mother is of German and English heritage. Ryan’s father died of a heart attack when he was just 16. This left a lasting impression on the congressman as he was the one who discovered his father’s body. Ryan has three older siblings in addition to his parents. They are two brothers, Stan and Tobin, and one sister, Janet.
Paul Ryan is married to Janna Ryan (nee Little). Janna is a graduate of George Washington University Law School and a former attorney and lobbyist. It is interesting to note that while Ryan is conservative through and through, his wife comes from a Liberal Democrat background. The couple didn’t let their political differences overshadow their love for each other. The Ryans have three children together. Their children include a daughter named Elizabeth and two sons, Charles and Samuel.
Wealth (income and earnings)
The congressman has a net worth of $6 million. His considerable fortune does not result from his two decades of public service. Rather, it comes from his wife. His wife comes from a wealthy family and when her mother died in 2010, she received a $3 million endowment. The Ryans have a common fortune and as such what belongs to one belongs to the other. Because of this trust, Paul Ryan’s net worth increased from $1.5 million to $6 million.
Height
The former house speaker has a slim build. He is 1.85 m tall and weighs 86 kg. His eye color is blue while his hair color is black. Paul Ryan is a well-known fitness enthusiast. He once worked as a fitness trainer. The reason for his enthusiasm is not to develop a hot body, but for health reasons. His family has a history of fatal heart attacks and as such he does everything possible to ward off the possibility. Ryan relies on a fitness regimen that includes the popular P90X. The regime combines different types of exercises such as push-ups, cardio, sit-ups and karate, as well as diet and supplements.