Ryan Washington is a native Washingtonian whose life and career have been dedicated to serving the city that raised him.

Growing up in Anacostia as the oldest of five children raised by a single mother shaped his understanding of the challenges families face and sparked an early interest in public service and advocacy. Watching his mother work tirelessly to provide for him and his siblings taught Ryan the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of creating opportunities for families working to build a better future.

 

Ryan's commitment to public service began at just 12 years old when he joined the DC Youth Advisory Council. As Youth Mayor of DC, he worked to pass the District's first anti-bullying legislation, demonstrating early that leadership means turning ideas into action.

 

His experience in government began early. He served as a United States Senate Page for Majority Leader Harry Reid and later helped manage the Senate pages while interning with the Senate Democratic Cloakroom.

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Ryan graduated from Gonzaga College High School before earning his degree in political science from Howard University.

After graduating from Howard, Ryan chose to return to Southeast DC, where he worked for a nonprofit organization providing essential wraparound services to residents and families east of the Anacostia river. The experience gave him a close view of the challenges facing communities across the District and the role effective public policy can play in addressing them.

He later joined the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton as a Staff Assistant before serving as a Legislative Correspondent for Senator Cory Booker.

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Most recently, Ryan served as a Legislative Assistant for the Council of the District of Columbia, where he worked on legislation and policy affecting housing, economic development, technology, and the everyday issues that impact residents across the city.

 

Ryan is running for an At-Large seat on the DC Council because he believes the District needs leadership focused not only on the challenges residents face today, but also on the changes that will shape life in DC for years to come. As the cost of living continues to rise and new technologies transform the way people work, learn, and live, he believes teh District must be willing to think differently about how it protects residents and creates opportunity.

 

His vision is a Washnigton, DC where people can afford to build a life, renters and homeowners can live in safe, quality housing, neighborhoods across the District share in economic growth, and residents are prepared for the opportunities and disruptions created by artificial intelligence and automation. Ryan believes our leaders should anticipate change, protect residents, and make sure the city’s progress creates opportunity for the people who call it home.