Ryan Costello

Ryan A. Costello is a former American politician, lobbyist, and attorney who served as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district from 2015 until 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Costello was first elected to Congress during the 2014 midterm elections. Prior to his tenure in the House of Representatives, he held various local government positions, including serving on the Chester County Board of Commissioners. After leaving Congress, he transitioned to a career as a registered lobbyist.

Early life and career

Ryan A. Costello was born on September 7, 1976, to parents who were both educators. Growing up in an environment that valued education, he pursued higher learning at Ursinus College, followed by attending Villanova University School of Law, where he earned his law degree. His educational background laid the foundation for his future career in law and public service.

Costello began his political career at the local level, serving on the Board of Supervisors for East Vincent Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania. His tenure on the board lasted six years, during which he held the position of chairman for the last four years. In 2008, he was elected as the Chester County Recorder of Deeds, a role that further established his presence in local governance. Following this, in 2011, he was elected to the Chester County Board of Commissioners. His colleagues on the board recognized his leadership capabilities, electing him as chairman in 2013, a position he held until 2015.

House tenure

Costello's entry into the U.S. House of Representatives came after the announcement by Jim Gerlach, the incumbent Republican representative for Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district, that he would not seek reelection in 2014. Capitalizing on this opportunity, Costello ran for the Republican nomination and faced no opposition in the primary. In the general election, he competed against Democratic candidate Manan Trivedi and won with a margin of 56% to 44%.

During his first term, Costello represented a district that included northern Chester County and western Montgomery County, extending into Berks County and encompassing much of Lebanon County. However, in February 2018, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court released a new congressional map that significantly altered the boundaries of Costello's district. This redistricting was a response to a previous map that had been deemed a partisan gerrymander. The new map made the district more compact, removing much of its heavily Republican western portion and incorporating more Democratic-leaning areas, including all of Chester County and parts of Berks County, such as Reading.

The changes to the district posed significant challenges for Costello as he prepared for the 2018 election cycle. The new configuration was expected to favor Democratic candidates, as evidenced by the voting patterns from the previous presidential election. In light of these developments, Costello faced a well-funded challenge from Democrat Chrissy Houlahan, an entrepreneur and Air Force veteran. The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that Costello was one of the incumbents most adversely affected by the redistricting.

Despite the challenges presented by the new district boundaries, Costello initially filed petitions to run for reelection in 2018. However, he later announced that he would not seek a third term, citing frustrations with the Trump administration as a contributing factor to his decision. His retirement from the race was noted by various media outlets, which characterized him as a moderate Republican willing to diverge from party lines on issues such as gun control and healthcare.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in Congress, Ryan Costello was recognized for his bipartisan approach to governance. His voting record demonstrated a willingness to collaborate across party lines, particularly on issues related to the environment, healthcare, and education. In 2017, he was ranked as the ninth most bipartisan member of the House of Representatives, reflecting his commitment to finding common ground with colleagues from both parties.

One notable instance of Costello breaking from party consensus occurred in May 2017 when he voted against the Republican health care legislation known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA). This decision underscored his willingness to prioritize constituents' needs over party loyalty, a stance that resonated with many voters in his district.

Costello's legislative focus extended beyond healthcare, as he engaged in various initiatives aimed at addressing the concerns of his constituents. His reputation as a moderate Republican allowed him to navigate complex political landscapes, and he was often recognized for his ability to work with Democrats on critical issues. His bipartisan ranking by the Lugar Center further illustrated his commitment to collaboration, as he was noted as one of the top Republican members who frequently voted against his party's positions.

After leaving Congress, Costello transitioned to a career as a registered lobbyist, leveraging his experience and connections gained during his time in public office. His departure from the House of Representatives marked the end of a significant chapter in his political career, during which he had established himself as a prominent figure in Pennsylvania politics.