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Rep. Tim Ryan is mulling a 2016 bid for the U.S. Senate
YOUNGSTOWN
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan is again mulling a potential run for higher office.
Ryan, of Howland, D-13th, said Thursday that he’s been approached by a number of contributors and supporters, Democratic leaders in Ohio and Washington, and top organized labor officials about a 2016 run for U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican Rob Portman.
“They’re coming to me and asking me to run,” he said. “It’s nice. It gets in the paper, and it becomes a story. When people ask me to run, I give it a listen no matter what.”
Ryan said he doesn’t plan to make a decision on running anytime soon, but the thought of being among only 100 U.S. senators is appealing.
“When you have an opportunity to get more things done and make an impact, that’s why you get into this business,” he said.
Ryan pondered runs for the U.S. Senate in 2006 and 2010. He also considered bids for lieutenant governor in 2010 and governor in 2014. Each time, Ryan opted to seek re-election to the U.S. House. He won a seventh two-year term in last month’s election.
Ryan serves on two influential committees in the House: Appropriations and Budget.
Ryan said he’s proud of the work he’s done in Congress, particularly helping to grow the Mahoning Valley’s manufacturing base and its focus on advanced technology.
Portman of the Cincinnati area had considered a 2016 run for president, but announced Tuesday he would seek re-election to the Senate seat he won in 2010.