Ryan Clancy

Ryan Clancy is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 19th Assembly district. He has been in office since January 2023 and previously served on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors from 2020 to 2024. Clancy is also associated with the Democratic Socialists of America and has a background as a teacher and business owner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Early life and career

Ryan Clancy was born on January 9, 1977, and grew up in Glendale, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Nicolet High School in 1995. During his high school years, he demonstrated an early interest in activism by organizing a student-run alternative newspaper. This initiative led to conflicts with the school administration, resulting in a situation where he faced potential expulsion. His case drew the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which intervened on his behalf, ultimately preventing his expulsion. For his efforts, he was recognized as the Young Civil Libertarian of the Year.

Following high school, Clancy pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in English from Beloit College. His commitment to service led him to join the Peace Corps, where he worked as an English teacher in a rural area of the Philippines. After completing his term with the Peace Corps, he returned to Milwaukee County, where he became involved in various activist causes.

In 2003, Clancy traveled to Iraq to protest against the impending invasion. Upon his return, he faced legal challenges, including a fine from the federal Office of Foreign Assets Control. The ACLU once again represented him during this period. While engaged in legal proceedings, Clancy worked on peace and reconciliation initiatives involving American and Iraqi youth. He later earned a master's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and participated in fieldwork in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Throughout these years, Clancy also contributed to education as a substitute teacher in the Milwaukee Public Schools and became an organizer with the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association. In 2014, he and his wife established Bounce Milwaukee, a community recreational complex and restaurant. Through this venture, Clancy became a founder of the Progressive Restaurant and Activists of Wisconsin Network, which advocates for improved wages and working conditions in the food service industry.

Clancy has actively participated in various activist movements, including the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota and immigrant rights protests in Racine and Milwaukee. He was also involved in the Black Lives Matter protests, during which he filed a lawsuit against the city and county of Milwaukee for alleged violations of his rights, although he did not prevail in that case. Additionally, he has volunteered extensively with disaster relief organizations, traveling to various locations to assist those in need.

Legislative service

Clancy's political career began in earnest when he ran for a position on the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in 2020, following a vacancy in his district. He successfully campaigned for the position and became the first socialist to serve on the county board since 1956. Clancy was re-elected to the board in 2022, demonstrating a solid base of support within his community.

In the wake of the 2022 Spring election, Clancy announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly after the incumbent representative, Jonathan Brostoff, decided to run for the Milwaukee City Council instead of seeking re-election. Clancy's entry into the race was notable as he faced no opposition in either the primary or general elections, allowing him to assume office in January 2023.

During his tenure in the Assembly, Clancy has faced challenges and controversies, particularly in relation to his public statements and positions on various issues. Notably, after the attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, Clancy posted a chart comparing civilian casualties among Israelis and Palestinians since 2008. This action drew criticism from some constituents, including Ann Jacobs, the chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, who accused him of making inflammatory statements. Clancy has remained vocal about his support for Palestinian causes, which has influenced his political standing within the Democratic Party.

In the lead-up to the 2024 United States presidential primary, Clancy endorsed the Uncommitted National Movement, which aimed to encourage Democratic primary voters to select "uncommitted" delegates as a form of protest against President Joe Biden's policies regarding Israel and Gaza. This endorsement positioned him at the center of a contentious political landscape, leading to a significant primary challenge from Milwaukee lawyer Jarrod Anderson in 2024. Anderson's campaign garnered support from prominent figures within the Democratic Party, including Jacobs and Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. Despite the challenges, Clancy won the primary election with a majority of the vote and faced no opposition in the general election.

Clancy has also been active in addressing issues related to healthcare and social justice. Following an executive order from President Trump that restricted federal funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors, Clancy publicly criticized Children's Wisconsin Hospital for canceling a transgender teenager's appointment for hormone therapy. His statements contributed to the hospital's decision to reverse its cancellation and reschedule the appointment, which Clancy acknowledged as a positive outcome.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Clancy represents the 19th Assembly district, which encompasses a significant portion of Milwaukee's lakefront. His policy focus reflects his background in education, social justice, and community activism. Clancy's legislative priorities often center on issues such as education reform, labor rights, healthcare access, and social equity.

Clancy's involvement in various activist movements has shaped his approach to policy-making, as he seeks to address the needs and concerns of his constituents through progressive legislation. His affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America informs his political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and grassroots activism in the legislative process.

Throughout his career, Clancy has demonstrated a commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequalities. His experiences as an educator and business owner have provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges faced by families and individuals in his district. Clancy's ongoing engagement with local issues and his willingness to confront controversial topics reflect his dedication to representing the interests of his constituents in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Clancy resides in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee with his wife, Becky, and their five children. The couple co-owned Bounce Milwaukee until its permanent closure in 2023, marking a significant change in their community involvement. As he continues his legislative work, Clancy remains focused on fostering a more equitable and just society for all residents of Wisconsin.