Marilyn J. Ryan

This article is about the Montana politician. For the California politician, see Marilyn Ryan (California politician).

Marilyn J. Ryan (born June 13, 1945) is a Democratic member of the Montana House of Representatives. She has served the 99th district, which encompasses southwest portions of Missoula, since January 2017.

Marilyn Ryan
Member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 99th district
In office January 2, 2017 – January 4, 2021
Preceded by	Tom Steenberg
Succeeded by	Mark Thane
Personal details
Born	(1945-06-13) June 13, 1945 (age 80) Anaconda, Montana
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Patrick
Residence	Missoula, Montana
Alma mater	University of Montana
Profession	Teacher

Early life, education and career

Ryan was born in Anaconda, Montana. She moved to Missoula in 1968 to attend college at the University of Montana where she received her B.A. in Political Science and her M.A. in Education.^[1]

After graduating, Ryan entered the Missoula County Public School System as a teacher of social studies, history and government for middle and high school students, a post she would hold for almost three decades.^[1] During that tenure, she utilized her training as a state director in law-related education, specifically Indian law to instruct teachers for the Constitution Rights Foundation and coordinate a U.S. Department of Education History Grant that funded education for Missoula history teachers.^[2]

Upon retirement, she served 5 years as President of the Montana Education Association and 4 years as a field consultant for the MEA-MFT, later sitting on Montana's Teacher's Retirement Board as well as its Board of Investments.^[2]

Her non-education related public service activity has included work for Kiwanis, United Way and the Moose Can Gully Leadership Team.^[2]

Montana House of Representatives

Ryan is the only freshman Democrat (out of 4) on the Appropriations Committee, a coveted spot.^[3] She is also a member of the Health and Human Services.

Electoral history

She ran her 2016 campaign on an education tax credit as well as support for alternative energy projects moving forward and an infrastructure bill in 2017.^[4] Her endorsements included MEA-MFT, Carol’s List and Montana Conservation Voters.^[2]

Election	Political result		Candidate		Party	Votes	%
Montana's 99th House District primary election, 2016[5]		Democratic win		Marylin Ryan	Democratic	1,451	81.84
				Greg Strandberg	Democratic	322	18.16
Montana's 99th House District election, 2016		Democratic win		Marylin Ryan	Democratic	3,101	59.69
				Susan Cundiff	Republican	2,094	40.31

Personal life

Ryan married her husband Patrick on August 15, 1964.