Adam Neylon

Adam Neylon is an American politician and small business owner currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 15th Assembly District. A member of the Republican Party, Neylon has been involved in Wisconsin politics for several years, having previously represented the 98th Assembly District from 2013 until 2025. His career in public service is marked by a focus on economic issues, regulatory reform, and support for small businesses.

Early life and career

Adam Neylon was born on December 30, 1984, in Elgin, Illinois, and raised in West Dundee, Illinois. He completed his secondary education at Harry D. Jacobs High School in Algonquin, Illinois. Following high school, Neylon pursued higher education at Carroll University, where he earned a degree in political science in 2008. During his time at Carroll, he was also a member of the university's baseball team, playing the position of second base.

Neylon's entry into politics began shortly after his graduation. In 2008, he was involved in various political roles, including serving on the campaign staff for The Sensenbrenner Committee and working as an Absentee Ballot Director for the Republican National Committee. He also gained experience as a Congressional staff member for Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner from 2008 to 2010. Following this, he became the Waukesha County Field Director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin in 2010, and later served as a Policy Advisor for the Wisconsin State Assembly from 2011 to 2012.

In addition to his political endeavors, Neylon established his own commercial window cleaning business in 2010, which reflects his commitment to entrepreneurship and small business development. His political career took a significant turn when he won a special election for the Wisconsin State Assembly's 98th District on April 2, 2013. Neylon won the Republican primary unopposed and subsequently ran unopposed in the general election, marking the beginning of his legislative career.

Legislative service

Neylon's tenure in the Wisconsin State Assembly began in 2013, and he quickly became known for his active participation in legislative matters. During the 2013-2015 state budget discussions, he advocated for tax cuts, reduced long-term borrowing, and opposed the collection of DNA upon arrest. His involvement in these discussions positioned him as a notable figure within the Republican Party, and he was recognized as one of the "GOP Young Guns" who played a role in shaping budget agreements.

In 2014, Neylon was selected for the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development fellowship, an honor that highlighted his potential as a leader in the Wisconsin legislature. He was the only freshman Republican from Wisconsin to be chosen for this fellowship that year. Since 2015, Neylon has held the position of Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy, where he has focused on initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and supporting small businesses. Additionally, he has served as Chairman of Wisconsin's Small Business Regulatory Review Board, further emphasizing his commitment to the interests of the business community.

Throughout his legislative career, Neylon has authored and supported various bills that have been passed into law. During the 2015-2016 Wisconsin Legislative Session, four of his bills received approval and were signed into law. These include the GPS Privacy Act, which criminalizes the unauthorized placement of GPS devices on vehicles, the Parent-Based School Accountability Act that mandates schools to link to their School Report Cards online, the Wisconsin Robotics League Participation Grant Program that provides funding for school-affiliated robotics teams, and the Department of Children and Families Modernization Act.

In the subsequent 2017-2018 legislative session, Neylon continued to advance his legislative agenda by successfully passing two additional bills: Wisconsin Act 39, which establishes a time limit for state agency scope statements in the administrative rule-making process, and the REINS Act, which enhances public input in the rule-making process and grants elected legislators authority over rules with significant implementation costs. The REINS Act is notable for being the first of its kind passed by a state legislature, reflecting Neylon's focus on regulatory reform.

Neylon's role as Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Jobs and the Economy has also involved guiding significant legislation, such as the Foxconn Incentive Bill, through the Assembly committee process. He authored a substitute amendment to this bill, which was adopted by the full Assembly, showcasing his influence in shaping key economic initiatives in Wisconsin.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Neylon has concentrated on various policy areas, particularly those related to economic development, small business support, and regulatory reform. His legislative efforts have aimed to create a favorable environment for businesses to thrive, which is reflected in his leadership roles and the bills he has championed.

Representing the 15th Assembly District, Neylon's constituency includes parts of Waukesha County, an area known for its diverse economy and vibrant community. His focus on small business issues resonates with the needs of his district, where many residents are engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Neylon's background as a small business owner himself informs his understanding of the challenges faced by local businesses, and he has worked to implement policies that support their growth and sustainability.

In addition to his economic initiatives, Neylon has been involved in legislative discussions on education, privacy rights, and public accountability. His efforts to enhance school accountability through the Parent-Based School Accountability Act demonstrate his commitment to improving educational outcomes for students in Wisconsin. Furthermore, his advocacy for privacy rights, as seen in the GPS Privacy Act, reflects a broader concern for individual rights and protections in the digital age.

Neylon resides in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife, Hannah, and their two children, Elizabeth Grace and Thomas Robert. His family life and community involvement further connect him to the constituents he serves, as he navigates the balance between public service and personal commitments. Through his legislative work and community engagement, Neylon continues to play a significant role in shaping the policies and future of Wisconsin.