 | This article has multiple issues. Please helpimprove it or discuss these issues on thetalk page.(Learn how and when to remove these messages) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
|
Ryan Bizzarro | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Member of thePennsylvania House of Representatives from the3rd district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2013 | |
| Preceded by | John Hornaman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1985-11-13)November 13, 1985 (age 39) Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Edinboro University (BA) Gannon University (MBA) |
| Website | State House website |
Ryan A. Bizzarro (born November 13, 1985) is an American politician and member of thePennsylvania House of Representatives. He has represented the3rd district since January 2013.[1][2] His district is located inErie County and includes the townships ofMillcreek andFairview.[3]
Bizzarro is a member of theDemocratic Party and currently serves in House Democratic Leadership as the House Democratic Policy Chairman. He was a candidate forPennsylvania State Treasurer in the2024 election, but lost the primary to Erin McClelland.[4]
Bizzarro is a lifelong resident ofErie, Pennsylvania. A survivor ofchildhood leukemia, he attendedMcDowell High School, graduating in 2004.[5]
In 2008, he graduated fromEdinboro University with degrees in political science and criminal justice. He also received a master's degree fromGannon University in public administration.[citation needed]
After receiving his master's degree, Bizzarro worked for the county as a victim/witness coordinator and as an advocate for the Office of the Erie County District Attorney and the Crime Victim Center. He also worked as a behavioral health specialist at McKinley Elementary School and in business development for the Erie County Convention Center Authority.[citation needed]
Bizzarro was elected to thePennsylvania House of Representatives in 2012, defeating Republican attorney Jason Owen.[6] He was sworn in on January 1, 2013.
Bizzarro was elected to serve in House Democratic Leadership as the House Democratic Policy Committee Chairman for the 2021-22 Legislative Session.[7] He was elected to chair the House Policy Committee[8] in 2023-24. As chair, he oversaw the creation of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People and the Subcommittee on Labor, Energy, and Development.
He also sits on the House Rules Committee; on the Climate Change Advisory Committee, which is tasked to establish and review Pennsylvania's official action plan tocombat climate change; and on the Pennsylvania Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, examining existing technical regulations and policies for the oil and gas industry.
Bizzarro previously served as Chief Deputy House Whip, Vice Chairman of the Northwest Delegation, Vice Chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, and Democratic Secretary of the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee. He has been a member of the House Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Judiciary committees, as well as the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts.
On September 26, 2023, Bizzarro announced his candidacy forState Treasurer in the2024 election.[4] He was considered the favorite to win the Democratic primary, receiving the endorsement of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and numerous Democratic politicians, but lost in an upset to Erin McClelland.[9]
Bizzarro authored Libre's Law, a state law addressing punishment for animal abuse. In 2017 – the year Libre's Law was signed into effect – Bizzarro was named National Legislator of the Year by the Humane Society of the United States (2016).[citation needed]
Bizzarro has been recognized for his service by several groups and organizations locally and nationally. In 2022,City & State featured him in PA's PowerList as one of Pennsylvania's most influential "Forty Under 40."[10] In 2020, the American Society of Clinical Oncology & Pennsylvania Society of Oncology and Hematology named him the Legislator of the Year. Other awards include being named one of theErie Reader's "40 Under 40" (2013); Edinboro University's Honored Alumnus of the Year (2014); Humane Society Legislator of the Year (2016); Pennsylvania Snowmobile Association Legislator of the Year (2018); and Best of Erie's "Best Politician" in the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 (the category was removed in 2018).[citation needed]
Bizzarro's family is prominent in the boxing world.[11]
He lives in Millcreek Township with his rescue dog, Boss.[citation needed]
On October 15, 2014, Bizzarro and RepresentativeMarty Flynn were near thePennsylvania State Capitol after having a late dinner when someone approached and demanded their wallets at gunpoint. Flynn reached for his concealed pistol and a spotter warned the assailant, leading to a shootout. No one was injured. Four teenagers were arrested.[12]
